Is your roof ready for winter, or will Santa’s sleigh be the least of your worries? As the daylight hours get shorter and winter temperatures roll in, hanging holiday lights shouldn’t be the only roofing project on your mind. Maintaining your roofing system is important year-round, but the harsh winter environment can pose unique risks to your roofing system. It’s important to be prepared before damage occurs.
Winter Roof Hazards
The winter season brings more than cold temperatures. Between ice dams, heavy snowfall, freeze-thaw cycles, high winds, and winter storms, your roofing system plays an important role in keeping you and your family safe from the elements.
Essential Winter Roof Safety Tips
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize the risks that winter poses to your roofing system. Below are some important steps to take.
Schedule a Pre-Winter Roof Inspection
It’s better to take a proactive approach to your roofing system than a reactive one. During a roofing inspection, your contractor will check for signs of potential issues such as:
- Clogged gutters or downspouts
- Damaged roofing materials
- Soft spots or sagging areas
- Cracked flashing
- Poor ventilation
- Water damage
Address Minor Repairs Before Cold Weather Hits
After the roofing inspection, your contractor will provide you with a written report of recommended repairs or maintenance needs. This allows you to make fixes before the problems can become more complicated. Even if there is no damage to your roof, there may be small maintenance needs such as fixing loose shingles, repairing flashing, or refreshing sealants.
Keep Gutters Clean and Functioning
One of the most significant dangers to your roof during winter weather is ice dams. Ice dams form when water is unable to drain off your roof, causing it to get caught in a cycle of freezing and thawing. The best way to help water flow off your roof as intended is by keeping debris off your roof and making sure your gutters and downspouts are not clogged.
Avoid DIY Roof Work
DIY roof work is dangerous year-round, and winter ice only heightens the risk. Professional roofing teams are more accustomed to climbing ladders and know how to walk on your roof without damaging it. It’s also important to remember that DIY roofing work will violate your roofing warranty in most cases. It’s best to call a roofing expert instead of attempting repairs.
When to Call a Professional Roofing Company
Roofing contractors possess the necessary tools and expertise to handle snow, ice, and cold temperatures effectively. While it’s always easier to schedule routine maintenance than it is emergency repairs, sometimes the unexpected happens. If you need rapid leak detection, have a build-up of snow and ice, or storm damage, a roofing contractor can help.
Your Gulf Coast, Texas Roofing Team
When you have a winter roofing emergency, WorleyByrd is the word! We have been providing top-notch residential and commercial roofing services in the Greater Austin and Central Gulf Coast Texas Regions for years, and are knowledgeable about the winter weather patterns that make Texas unique. Schedule an inspection with our team before the weather turns.
