How to Winterize Your Roof
Winter is upon us. Is your roof prepared to withstand heavy snowfall and winter storms? If you haven’t winterized your roof yet, you need to act fast before snowstorm season starts in Colorado. Columbine Roofing & Exteriors is a Top Rated Local® Roofing Company servicing homes and businesses in Castle Rock and the surrounding Front Range areas. Read on to learn more about winterizing your roof, and contact us today to schedule an appointment!
Check Your Roofline
Straight, solid rooflines are the marks of a healthy roof. When taking a look at your roofline, you need to check carefully for any signs of sagging, curving, or dips. These signs could indicate framing issues or a saturated roof deck. Heavy snowfall can accelerate these issues and lead to leaks, deterioration, and in some cases, cave-ins. You should be especially wary of issues with your roofline if you are also noticing leaks in your attic or other signs of deterioration. In these cases, contact your local roofing experts before the problem gets out of hand.
Inspect and Clean Your Gutters
If you want your roof to withstand the heavy snowfall of the winter months, you need to ensure your gutters are up for the task. Clogs and other obstructions can cause snowmelt to pool on your roof, which can harm your roof and lead to leaks and water damage inside your home. Check the integrity of your gutters and clear out any debris that could keep snowmelt from moving safely off your roof, and don’t forget to check the drains and downspouts, too.
Check for Damaged or Missing Shingles
Loose, missing, or otherwise damaged shingles can leave your home exposed to the harsh winter elements and lead to expensive repairs. Take a look at your shingles and look for signs of deterioration like missing granules, warping and curling, or debris lodged between the shingles and your roof. Keep in mind that the integrity of every shingle on your roof matters, and neglecting to repair a few damaged shingles can snowball into larger issues and costly roof replacements. If you’re finding old or damaged shingles on your roof, get in touch with Columbine Roofing & Exteriors to have them repaired or replaced.
Inspect Your Roof Flashing
When it comes to preventing leaks and interior water damage, your roof’s flashing is one of your most important lines of defense. Flashing is the protective metal that you can find along all of the joints and intersections of your roof, as well as around the base of your chimney and skylights. Flashing functions as an additional layer of protection for your home’s structure by directing water away from vulnerable areas and off of your roof. Flashing is usually made of aluminum or galvanized metal, but cold temperatures, rain, and strong winds can loosen the flashing or cause it to corrode.
Winterizing your roof is an important practice that can save you a lot of time, money, and discomfort. Columbine Roofing & Exteriors can inspect your roof and take care of all of the repairs and replacements you need to make it through the winter. Visit our website to learn more about how we can serve you, and contact us today to schedule a roof inspection in Castle Rock and the surrounding Front Range areas.