Now that Thanksgiving has passed and winter is coming, it’s important to prep your roof for the winter, preferably before the temperatures drop! Although Georgians don’t have the same winter weather concerns as our northern neighbors, there are still critical issues to address to ensure the care and longevity of your roof. Let’s walk through some of these problems, preventative maintenance, and what to keep in mind when deciding when and how to perform these maintenance tasks. When done right, these steps can not only keep down roofing expenses, but preserve the structure of your home, and reduce your electric bill as well!
Preventative maintenance concerns for winter
Issue 1: Debris in gutters
A common issue for Georgia roofs in the winter is debris in gutters. Debris-clogged gutters can lead to ice dams when water runoff from the roof refreezes. This can obstruct the flow of melting snow, resulting in water pools, which can cause serious damage to shingles and seep into your attic, and then through ceilings into living areas. Pooled water can also result in severe damage to your home’s exterior and foundation, or even cause basement flooding.
Issue 2: Missing or damaged shingles
Water also comes into play for our second concern, your shingles. You want to be sure your shingles are in good condition for the winter. Otherwise, water can leak through damaged or missing shingles onto the structure of your roof. Once seeping through to the attic, not only can these leaks cause unsightly water damage or leak into living areas, but they can damage your insulation and electrical wiring, as well as lead to toxic mold accumulation.
Issue 3: Attic insulation & ventilation
Finally, you want to be sure your attic is both well insulated and ventilated. This will not only reduce your heating costs throughout the winter, but contribute to preventing mold buildup, as well. Mold is not only detrimental to your family’s health, but also puts your roof’s longevity at risk. It’s important to make sure none of your insulation blocks ventilation points, as this could also contribute to mold buildup.
How to prepare your roof for winter
Step 1: Check your gutters
You’ll want to start by removing any large leaves, twigs, and other debris by hand. Be sure to wear gloves when doing so to prevent injury from sharp or unseen objects. Use a trowel for removing impacted dirt. While you’re clearing your gutters, be sure to look for any sinking, sagging, stains or mold (which reveal that water and debris has pooled, indicating your proper rainwater management is jeopardized), or pulling away from the house, as this may mean they need to be replaced.
Step 2: Clean your roof
Remove any leaves and debris from the roof that would later make their way into your gutters. This will also provide a clearer view for checking your roof for stains, leaks, breaks, missing or discolored shingles, and any other damage. If you choose to wash your roof yourself, avoid the temptation to pressure wash, as this could further loosen or damage shingles and compromise the integrity of your roof. Snow shovels, calcium chloride, and rock salt can also damage your roof and void any manufacturer warranty. Instead, opt for a simple garden hose and laundry-strength chlorine bleach, or consider hiring professionals.
Step 3: Inspect your attic
When ensuring your roof is ready for winter, there are a few key things you’ll want to check in your attic. First, check for dirty or damp insulation, as this could indicate leaks in the roof. You’ll also want to look for any loose vents or worn-out seals that could compromise your insulation and ventilation. And, again, confirm none of your insulation is blocking your ventilation sites.
Preserve Roofing can help
If you have any questions or concerns, it’s never a bad idea to bring in a trusted professional. At Preserve Roofing, we do our best to help our customers avoid full roof replacement whenever possible, focusing instead on maintenance and repair. We offer free estimates and, through consultation with you and in line with your goals, provide you with a range of possibilities for preserving your sanctuary.
Contact us at 678-956-5152 for your free estimate.
