Take Care of Nearby Trees.

Tree maintenance is important all year round for the wellbeing of your roofing system. Storms in every season can cause nearby branches to break. If a broken branch falls onto your roof, it could lead to scratches, dents, or even punctures.

The risk of broken overhanging branches is especially prevalent in the winter. A moderate to severe snowstorm may lead to accumulated snow on tree branches. This added weight can cause the branches to break. So, before the start of winter, ensure that no branches are hanging over your roof. Trim back all nearby trees while the weather is still mild.

Tree Debris

In addition to broken branches, nearby trees may drop debris onto the surface of your roof. Leaves, twigs, and other debris can build up and trap moisture on your Littleton roofing system. This may cause mold to develop, as well as break down your roofing materials prematurely. While your roof should also be cleaned regularly to prevent built-up debris, you can prevent the debris from building up in the first place by keeping nearby trees trimmed back.

Consider Roofing Ventilation and Insulation.

Ventilation and insulation are vital to the strength of your roofing system (as well as the efficiency of your home’s heating system) all winter long. Attic insulation and attic ventilation help prevent outdoor temperatures from seeping into your home through the roof. This keeps the weather outside from impacting the temperature of your living spaces. Additionally, a well-ventilated and well-insulated attic will regulate the surface temperature of your roof, ensuring that it’s uniform from the center to the edges.

Ice Dams

Ice dams are caused by irregular roof surface temperatures. Specifically, if the roof is warmer in the center than it is at the edges, snow may melt and flow to the edges of the roof, then freeze. This creates an ice ridge that can trap water on the surface of your roof and lead to roof damage.

Ventilation and insulation will protect your home against ice dams in the winter. Insulation can break down over time – if your home’s insulation is damaged, make sure to have it replaced before winter. Additionally, you may benefit from having your Littleton roofing experts check out your roof insulation and ventilation systems to recommend improvements. By updating your insulation and ventilation, you may be able to save money on utility costs throughout the winter.

Gutter Cleaning.

Gutter cleaning is another aspect of winter preparation for your roofing system. Over time, gutters can clog with leaves, twigs, and other types of debris. This debris causes the gutters to clog, compromising the effectiveness of your home’s drainage system.

If it rains, snows, or otherwise precipitates while your gutters are clogged, the precipitation could overflow and spill out of the sides of the gutters. This can lead to water damage to your home’s siding and/or foundation.

Clogged gutters can also damage your roof in the winter. When runoff from your roof can’t drain properly, the standing water may freeze on your roof. Ice buildup can be especially damaging to your roof and may create a leak.

Contact Anderson Builders today for a FREE roof inspection for expert advice and tips on how to winterize your roof and prepare your roof for winter.