Winterizing Your Roof
The roof over your head is your main line of defense against winter weather. Roofs guard against everything from colder temperatures to falling snow by providing structural support and insulation. With the winter months approaching fast, you’ll need to make sure this all-important barrier is winter-proof, so you can keep your house leak-free and energy-efficient all season long.
Wondering what you can do to guard against the cold? Don’t worry, Pinnacle Roofing & Restoration is here to help! Check out these tips for winterizing your roof this December.
What Happens If You Don’t Winterize
If you’re a Midsouth native, you’re probably wondering if you can skip this step. After all, Memphis isn’t known for blizzard conditions – but don’t let that thought fool you! While milder winter conditions are more typical throughout the season, a lack of preparation puts you at an even higher risk during the inevitable snowstorm. You may think you can weather the storm, but whether we experience one ice storm or ten, a worn-out roof could cause major damage.
Failure to winterize your roof could cause:
- Mold
- Structural damage
- Roof leaks
- Fire hazards
Tip #1: Clear Out the Branches & Limbs
Overhanging tree limbs can be a major problem for roofs at any time of the year, but they’re a disaster waiting to happen during the winter months. Stray branches hovering over your roof are just a storm away from snapping, falling, and causing damage to the structure of your roof.
Stay ahead of the storm by trimming overhanging limbs before the winter season. It’s a good idea to call a tree service company to help you handle this – tree trimming can be dangerous!
Tip #2: Clean the Gutters
Dirty gutters can be a pain during the winter months, especially after winter weather strikes. When your gutters are filled with leaves, this clogging can make it more difficult for ice and snow to drain properly. The backlog can add weighted pressure to your roof that could lead to leaks and structural damage as the season progresses.
The Pinnacle Roofing experts recommend cleaning your gutters twice a year, making sure to do so before winter hits.
Tip #3: Check Your Attic’s Insulation
One of the main benefits homeowners get from having a high-quality roof is energy efficiency. This comes especially in handy during seasons with more extreme temperatures. With the proper insulation, your roof can hold heat better, saving you money on your monthly energy bills.
Tip #4: Call the Experts to Inspect Your Roof
Following the tips above will help you stay on the right track this winter, but the best way to protect your roof and your home is to hire a professional roofing company for an inspection. At Pinnacle Roofing & Restoration, we’ll make sure your roof is prepared to handle the coming season and make recommendations for any repairs that you may need.
When we visit your home, we’ll check
- Damage to the roof, including soft spots or rotting
- Downspouts and gutters
- All chimneys, pipes, vents, and walls
- Branches that could be scraping against shingles
- Any potential damage to skylights and valleys
- Any missing shingles or damaged shingles (torn, cracked, etc.)
- How many layers of material are on your roof
- The age of your roof compared to its life expectancy
Trust the Roofing Experts
With over 50 years of combined experience, our roofing experts know how to perform inspections, repairs, and installations like it’s easy. If you’re looking to winterize your roof this season or are ready to install a new one, contact Pinnacle Roofing & Restoration today for a free estimate in Memphis.