Freezing temperatures, ice, and fairly heavy snowfall are typical for Ohio winters. For this reason, failing to protect your home’s roof before a storm hits can lead to costly roof repairs, as these elements put more stress on your system. Here are a few ways to prepare your home for winter weather and minimize damage to your property.

How to Protect Your Roof From Winter Storm Damage

1. Schedule Yearly Inspections

The first step in protecting your roof is to schedule regular inspections. Asphalt shingle roofing has a life span of about 20 years, while wood shake roofs can last about 30 years. However, if you put off your annual roof inspection, you could miss a small problem that may become a significant issue.

Examining your roof for cracked, loose, or missing shingles as well as potential leaks will give you a chance to address simple roof repairs before the winter weather can worsen the condition. 

2. Stop Ice Dams From Forming

An ice dam is frozen buildup that occurs when the heat in your home warms the ice or snow on your roof but freezes again when it nears the edge. As ice continues to melt, the water will pool behind the dam and eventually leak into your roof and potentially through your ceiling.

Prevent ice dams from forming by keeping the temperature in your attic roughly 10 degrees lower than the outdoors. You can do this by sealing up cracks and holes around ceiling fixtures that could leak warmth from your upper rooms into the attic. Icicles hanging from your roof are usually an indicator that you should take action as soon as possible.

3. Check Your Gutters

Your gutter is part of your roof system. It provides a way for water to flow safely from the roof and away from your house and foundation. Ideally, you should inspect the gutters before and during the winter season and clear out any leaves, twigs and debris.

Without this maintenance, the gutters can clog, which forces rainwater and melted snow to accumulate in the gutter and eventually pool on the roof. If temperatures drop low enough, water inside the clogged gutter could freeze, and the pressure could warp or crack the fixture.

This winter, give your roof the care it needs by reaching out to the team at Ray St. Clair Roofing. Based in Fairfield, OH, and serving the greater Cincinnati area for over 60 years, these roofing experts offer a variety of affordable services for your home, including roof repairs, maintenance, and installations. Their knowledgeable team is dedicated to providing superior workmanship and exceptional customer service.            Call (513) 874-1234 today to schedule an appointment. Visit their website to learn more about their many services.