Maintaining your roof is vital year-round, but it’s particularly important to be mindful of its condition throughout the winter. High winds and heavy snowfall can take its toll on the surface and cause numerous issues, such as leaks and shingle damage. Here are three ways to maintain the roofing system, including the gutters, during the season.

How to Protect Your Roofing System During the Winter

1. Clear the Roof of Debris

Leaves and twigs that don’t naturally blow away before winter may settle onto the surface, especially in the aftermath of a storm. Moisture can lockdown much of that debris, leaving the roof vulnerable to issues like mold formation. Have a roofing technician clear away the grime, dirt, leaves, and other contaminants before the first snowfall.

2. Clean the Gutters Thoroughly

The gutters play a vital role in protecting your home and roof from water damage. If they’re clogged with leaves and dirt, they can’t effectively direct water away from the house. Instead, the moisture could settle on the rooftop, cascade down the siding, and sink into the foundation and soil around the home. Clogged gutters can also cause ice dams to form, which could prevent melting snow from draining properly. You can avoid widespread issues due to water damage, like interior leaks and mold formation, by clearing the gutters before winter. This will allow water to move away from your home after it snows.

3. Trim Away Extending Branches

Long branches can venture dangerously close to the rooftop. Any type of weather event could cause vulnerable, weak branches to snap off and cause damage to the home, either by causing a puncture in the roof or lodging inside the gutters. Either of these situations can cause significant problems that would likely require repair work. Avoid this type of situation during the chilly winter months by trimming those branches away before inclement weather arrives.
 

Homeowners throughout West Salem, WI, can trust in the professionals at Advanced Seamless Inc. to resolve their gutter concerns promptly and efficiently. Serving the community since 1989, the company offers a variety of gutter services, including cleaning, replacement, and installation. Visit them online to find out more about how they can address your rain gutter issues, or call them at (608) 786-2929 to schedule an appointment.