Winter weather doesn’t just make it less pleasant to go outside — it can also create problems for your roof. If your roof isn’t adequately prepared for snow and ice, you could find yourself facing leaks, poor energy efficiency, and potentially serious damage. Taking a few simple actions now will ensure that your roofing is ready for the winter season.

3 Tips to Get Your Roof Ready for Cold Weather

1. Clean it Up

Cleaning up your roof can go a surprisingly long way in preventing winter problems. Start with gutter cleaning. Removing leaves and other debris from your gutters is essential for preventing standing water. If standing water freezes, it can form ice dams that damage the gutters, siding, and roof.

2. Trim Trees

You should also examine any tree branches that hang over the roof. Ice and snow can cause weaker branches to snap — and if a large branch falls on your roof, you might end up with a giant hole. Even a branch that merely rubs against the roof can damage shingles and increase your risk of a winter leak. Trim these branches to avoid future issues.

3. Inspect Roof & Schedule Maintenance

Inspect your roof’s exterior for loose, damaged, or missing shingles, as well as any areas around vents or flashing where caulking needs to be replaced. Addressing such damage is crucial for preventing leaks.

You should also schedule an attic inspection to ensure that it’s properly ventilated and insulated. Adequate insulation will make your home more energy efficient, reducing energy costs and helping the environment. In addition, proper insulation will prevent ice dams and attic condensation, which could cause significant water damage to the entire home. 

If your roof could use some extra help to get through the winter, contact Thompson & Thompson 3rd Generation Roofing today. Serving Cass County, NE, their certified team has earned an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau® and several Angie’s List™ Super Service awards. Whether you need a complete roof replacement or seasonal gutter cleaning, their team will get the job done quickly and efficiently. To request a free estimate, call (402) 296-6051. To learn more about how they can prepare your roof for winter, visit them online.