The outside temperature is steadily dropping day by day, and before you know it, the first snowfall of the season will be here. Prepare your home for this weather by checking on your roof and its asphalt shingles. When this structure is in top shape, it helps protect the house from the winter elements.

How to Prepare Your Roof for Winter

1. Clear Debris

When leaves, twigs, and dirt sit on your roof, they can trap moisture and begin to rot. This can cause mold and mildew to grow on and damage the asphalt shingles, making the material less effective at stopping water from flowing inside the foundation and into the house. Prevent this damage by using a broom to remove all debris and a hose to wash off any lingering dirt or moss.

2. Clean the Gutters

After the leaves have turned and mostly fallen off the trees around your home, clean the gutters and downspouts. Clogs make it harder for rain and melted snow to flow down and away from the house. Instead, the moisture can build and freeze against your roofing structure. The added weight and subsequent overflowing can damage the eaves, gutter system, and siding of your home.

3. Repair Damaged Asphalt Shingles

When your roof is clean, inspect the shingles for any visible damage. A professional should replace curling, cracked, or missing shingles with new ones. Also, look for missing granules; bald shingles have experienced significant wear and are ineffective at keeping out water. If you notice the majority of your asphalt shingles exhibit wear, the roof is likely due for a full replacement.

 

Ensure your asphalt shingles are ready for the winter by contacting the professionals All Tite Roofing. This family-owned and -operated roofing company provides routine inspections and maintenance services to residents of Elizabethtown, KY. Their certified and licensed roofers have over 10 years of industry experience replacing and repairing roofs. Call (270) 307-5366 for a free estimate, explore their roofing services online, and follow them on Facebook for more tips.