Preparing Your Roof for Winter in Colorado
Winter is coming, and if you are in Colorado, you might want to prepare your roof beforehand. If you don’t, the rain, snow and ice can cause damage that might cost thousands of dollars to fix. Fortunately, you can spare yourself this cost through preventative maintenance. Here are some tips to help you do just that.
Assess the Framework
If you want your roof to endure the winter, you need to make sure that its structure is strong enough. Have a contractor check your roof’s structure to ensure there is no sagging or structural damage, both of which can lead to a lot of problems as the roof gets heavier due to the added weight of snow and ice.
Clean Your Gutters
When your gutters are clogged, rainwater or melting snow can accumulate on them, leading to several problems. These include the buildup of standing water leading to interior leaks and further damage to the roof as well as your gutters getting torn from the roofing structure due to the extra weight.
Inspect Your Roof Valleys
Your roof valleys are a common area where leaks spring and should therefore be inspected before the winter comes. As with your gutters, ensure the valleys are clear of debris. Doing this also reduces the chances of ice or water accumulating on them, increasing the roof’s weight and causing additional tear and wear.
Check Your Flashing
Flashing is very important as it helps prevent leaks which can lead to water damage inside the house. Flashing is usually made out of galvanized metal or aluminum and it provides a protective layer that directs water from the roof. Flashing is often installed where sections of your roof meet or the edge of the skylight.
Strong winds, freezing temperatures, and rain can all cause damage to flashing. To prevent leaks during the winter, contact a professional roofing company like this best of the Colorado roofing companies.
Examine Your Shingles
The roofing company you hire should also check if there are any issues with your shingles. Missing or loose shingles can cause similar issues to damaged flashing in colder weather and can be hard to repair when you are in the middle of the winter.
A common sign that your shingles need repairing is if they start to shed granules which you will often see in your gutters. Twigs, branches, and debris might also get under the shingles if they have started peeling off. Neglecting to get a few shingles repaired or replaced could end up costing you thousands of dollars, so have that done as soon as possible, possibly before winter hits.
Replace Sealant
If the roof has any structures that require a sealant to prevent leaks, have your contractor check it. If it is worn off, have them replace the sealant around these structures. Remember that sealant and caulk both get worn over time and need to be replaced if they are worn out or cracked, or if you notice leaks.
Your roof will take a beating during the winter. To give it a better chance of doing its job well, do some preventative maintenance. This involves getting on the roof and checking for and repairing any issues you notice.
