How can you take care of your home during the winter? You make sure that the pipes don’t freeze, you shovel the driveway diligently, and yes, you need to take care of your roof. What’s the best way to take care of your roof? There are many steps to winter roof care, and many of those steps occur at other times of the year. Get ready for winter and winter-proof your roof so that you can look at the rain and snow coming down and smile.

Get Ready for the Rain

In many places, winter means snow, but in other areas it means rain. If you live in a warmer place such as Seattle, you need to ensure that you’re ready for the torrential rainfalls that winter can bring. This means that your gutters are ready to work well and not back up and flood onto your roof and foundation.

How can you keep your gutters working well all year round, even if you have a lot of leafy trees on your property? Adding gutter covers will help you navigate your winter rain woes. Gutter covers prevent leaves from getting stuck in your gutters. This means that your gutters no longer back up.

Prepare for the Wind

Even if there is no snow in your area, there is probably going to be some wind during the winter months. Wind can be a problem in and of itself if it is strong. Before the winter, check your roof to make sure that your shingles are secure. If there are problem areas, consider repairing them or think about a roof replacement if all of your shingles are getting up there in age. A roof that is 20 to 30 years old may need to be replaced so that loose and damaged shingles don’t lead to water damage under the shingles as they shift in the winter wind.

Wind is also a problem if you have large trees in your garden, specifically if you have trees that are close to your home. If you think that trees might drop large or small branches on your home, prune them before winter comes to avoid this potentially serious problem for your roof.

Get Ready for Ice and Snow

If your home experiences more of a typical icy, snowy winter, you’re in luck. There’s a solution to all of those icicles that hang from your gutters. If they’re left unchecked, these icicles can thaw and freeze, sending water under your shingles and gradually damaging your roof. Thankfully, with a heating system for your gutters, you can keep ice in a watery state until it heads down your downspouts. This allows water to move easily away from your roof during the winter months, even when it is freezing outside.

Maintain Your Flat Roof

If you have a flat roof, this can be a particular challenge during the cold, rainy, and snowy parts of the year as it accumulates water, debris, and snow. Get onto the roof and sweep the debris off, because that increases stress on the roof and also adds areas where water pools. Check your drainage systems before winter as well, to ensure that water can drain from your flat roof. However, HomeGuides has an excellent reminder: “Don’t apply too much pressure when you sweep, as this may damage the roofing membrane or remove the protective coating.”

As you inspect your roof before the winter begins, check for loose shingles, damaged areas, and places where water and ice could creep in. If you notice roofing problems, give Harry Helmet a call. We’re roof replacement and gutter experts, and we’re here to help your home. Schedule a free estimate today.

Written by Del Thebaud