The roof is one of the most important components of your home, and it plays a major role in protecting you and your family from the elements. However, like any other household item, it requires routine maintenance to ensure it can work at peak efficiency. Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to get your roof ready for the winter before the snow and ice starts accumulating.
Have the Roof Inspected
The first step in preparing your roof for winter is to have it inspected while the weather is still nice. An inspection will often reveal evidence of problems that you can’t see from the ground, such as shingles that are starting to curl, missing shingles, or holes caused by hail damage. An inspection might also reveal the presence of mold, algae, or other materials that you’ll want to have removed as soon as possible to prevent further damage to shingles.
A professional may also look inside your attic or other interior spaces for signs of a roof leak. Those signs may include stains on ceilings or interior walls or a roof that’s uneven or sagging. These may be clues that water is present even if you don’t actually see it. Stains could also be caused by mold or mildew, and an inspection may reveal that the musty smell in your attic is caused by mold growing inside of walls.
Should You Repair or Replace Your Roof?
If a leak is discovered, you need to take care of it as quickly as possible to avoid further damage to your roof and home. The same is true if there are missing or damaged shingles on the roof or if there are issues with the gutter or downspout. There are a number of variables to consider when determining whether you can simply repair the damage or if the entire roof needs to be replaced.
First, you should consider the scope of the damage. If the damage is localized, it may be possible to simply make a repair and move on. This may be a good idea even if you plan to replace the roof later, as it gives you time to save up money until the spring season when a replacement project may be more convenient anyway. However, if the damage is widespread, you’ll need to replace the roof immediately.
Next, you’ll want to consider the age of the roof when determining how to proceed. If the damage is localized and the roof is relatively young, it may be best to repair it. However, if the roof was put on more than two decades ago, it might be best to replace it regardless of how much damage has occurred.
Finally, if you have a warranty, it could be worthwhile to take care of any repairs covered by that agreement. Alternatively, you can check to see if your homeowner’s insurance policy will cover some or all of the cost of repairing damage to your roof. Of course, an insurance company will likely refuse to pay for damage to an old roof or one that wasn’t properly maintained in the past.
Keep Gutters and Downspouts Clear
Another easy way to keep your roof in good condition this winter is to make sure that the gutters and downspouts are kept clear. A clogged gutter could result in water being pushed back under shingles instead of flowing away from the property. During the winter months, the moisture can freeze and expand, which may result in damage to shingles, decking, and other roofing components.
Keeping downspouts clear can also make it easier for water to flow away from the property as opposed to toward the foundation. If water is allowed to get to the foundation, it may result in cracks and other structural damage. Eventually, the damage might get so bad that you can’t live in the home until it’s fixed.
If you need help with roof inspections or repair in Quad Cities, IA, don’t hesitate to call the team at Evenhouse Roofing today. We can also assist with skylight installation and siding replacement to ensure that your home is fully capable of protecting you from the elements at all times.
