Winters in Arizona can be quite mild with occasional rain, hail, high winds, and a little bit of snow. It is still necessary to prepare your home for any surprises as the weather can be unpredictable. One key piece of the home to prepare for winter weather conditions is your roof.
As the first line of defense against the elements, your roof is essential to provide necessary protection to your home, belongings, and most importantly, your family.
To help you prepare your house and roof for the winter months, we’ve put together this list. No matter if you have already checked your roof or not, we recommend you still check over these items. It is always good to double check and be preventative than to need an emergency repair.
5 Tips To Get Your Roof Winter Read
1. Clean Gutters
Over time, leaves and small twigs will gather in your gutters and it is completely normal. To make sure your gutters continue to do their job, it is critical to clean them out a few times a year. Preparing for winter months is a perfect time to clean them too.
Cleaning your gutters will allow water to flow freely from your roof and through the downspout system. Failing to do so might allow the water to pool on the roof or get caught in the drain. As temperatures get lower and lower, this water will freeze and cause an ice dam. All of this is detrimental to your roof and cause it to fail.
To clean your gutters, you can extend a ladder up to them and pick out any debris, leaves, or sticks. If you do not feel safe doing so, contact your local gutter contractor as many offer cleaning services.
2. Trim Trees
Similar to cleaning your gutters, trimming your trees can help prevent damage to your roof over the winter months. Trees release twigs and leaves that build up on your roof and in your gutters. This can help prevent your gutters from overflowing and keep your roof clean.
Another advantage of trimming your trees is to remove heavy limbs or branches that may fall on your home. During the winter months, high winds often creep in and can easily push a branch to fall. To prepare your roof for winter, be sure to trim your trees and contact a professional roofer if you discover the vegetation in your yard has already caused issues with your roof.
3. Check For Damage
The last thing you probably want to deal with in the middle of winter is an extensive roof repair. By checking for early signs of damage now, you have plenty of time for repairs before the coldest weather comes through the valley. A few things to check for:
- Missing tiles or shingles
- Broken tiles
- Mold or moss growth
- Sagging
- Corroded Flashing
While this is not an all inclusive list, it is a great place to start when you are looking for even the smallest areas of damage. It is important to have these items repaired as quickly as possible to prevent significant damage. Contact your local roofer if you have additional concerns.
4. Look In Attic
Most homeowners do not think to look in the attic for issues with their roof and certainly not when it comes to preparing for winter. However, the attic is a vital piece of the roofing system and ensuring it is functioning will help prevent damage. The attic is also typically easily accessible for homeowners, making it a safe space for them to perform an inspection.
When in the attic, you will want to look for signs of mold growth and leaks through the roof. Additionally, small critters and bugs often find their way into the attic for shelter. You will definitely want to double check small cracks for them. Lastly, make sure all vents are accessible and functioning. Proper ventilation allows warm air to escape and can prevent leaks along with mold growth.
5. Professional Roof Inspection
Roofing contractors can quickly and easily identify troublesome areas within your roof by performing a roof inspection. The inspection will point out the areas of concern and give you a good idea on how much time until your roof will need to be replaced.
By scheduling this before winter, you will have time to complete any repairs they deem essential. Additionally, if they recommend a new roof to be installed soon, you will be able to financially prepare through the next few months.
Prepare For Winter
If you are preparing your home for the upcoming winter months, be sure to include your roof. You will not be sorry! Whether you need to check your gutters or have your trees trimmed, doing so sooner than later ensures less you will need to deal with later. You can also easily examine the roof for damage and schedule repairs in time to have them completed before the cold temperatures settle in. Don’t forget to check your attic too for signs of mold growth and look for proper ventilation.
Craven Construction is available for all of your pre-winter roofing needs! Located in the East Valley, Arizona, our team is here for you. We are prepared to handle all repairs for roofs of any size or material. Our team is licensed and insured for your added peace of mind along with being professionally trained. Contact our office today to schedule your FREE estimate!
Is your roof ready for the winter?
About Craven Construction
Craven Construction is dedicated to providing our customers with honest and reliable roofing services. With over two decades of residential and commercial experience, we are here to serve you and all of your roofing needs.
Our team of experienced roofers is licensed and knowledgeable in working with all types of roofing. We offer high quality roofing services and are capable of getting your project completed in a timely, efficient manner.