One of the responsibilities of being a homeowner is ensuring the property is regularly maintained. Of primary concern should be the roof. While usually capable of lasting several decades, winter weather can take its toll on it. As a result, roofing contractors suggest doing the following to keep it—and your family—protected.

Winter Roofing Maintenance Checklist

1. Perform an Inspection

Before winter officially hits, look for any signs of roof damage such as loose or missing shingles, damaged sealant, or a broken gutter system. It’s best to do this from the safety of the ground rather than getting on the roof to avoid injuring yourself.

2. Make Repairs

If you do notice any damage to the roofing, schedule repairs immediately. Once winter weather hits, it only exasperates these problems because of the freeze-thaw cycle. The water gets into cracks and underneath materials. When temperatures dip below freezing, the water expands into ice and causes further damage.

3. Keep the Gutters Clear

These are essential to allowing the precipitation to drain safely away from the home. When they are clogged with debris, they are unable to do this efficiently. This allows the water to pool on the roof and leads to water damage and leaks on the roof and siding.

4. Trim Back Trees

Winter weather is dangerous for trees because the ice makes falling branches much more likely. Avoid this issue by having any overhanging or diseased branches trimmed back.

5. Remove the Snow

While a little snow on top of the roof isn’t an immediate concern, if too much falls without melting away quickly, it becomes a problem. Not only is the added weight likely to damage it, but since the home emits heat, it forces the lowest layer of the snow to melt and refreeze as an ice dam, which loosens the shingles and leads to leaks.

 

Make sure your home’s roofing is ready for winter by working with the experts at Buffalo Roofing in Kearney, NE. For the past 10 years, their team of contractors has helped local homeowners keep their roofs in optimal condition. If they find any damage after their inspection, they have the experience and tools needed to provide fast and reliable repairs. Schedule a free roof estimate by calling (308) 224-3163 or learn more about their capabilities online.