Winter is the time of year when the weather has a significant impact on the roof. Snow, freezing rain, and ice are environmental elements that can cause damage to your roof. That’s why preparing your roof before winter arrives is critical to maintaining its condition and providing continued protection for your home and its occupants. Continue reading to learn more about some useful winter roofing tips to help you prepare for the cold weather ahead.

Why Winter Roofing Preparation Matters

Pittsburgh’s winter weather

Pittsburgh experiences a fair share of cold and snowy winter weather, which can be inconvenient. The city’s winter temperatures can range from 22°F to 41°F, receiving an average of 44.1 inches of snow. It also occasionally brings freezing rain and strong winds, creating dangerous situations on the roads and roofs. Preparation is key to minimizing the threats the winter weather can bring to your home.

Importance of preparing roofs

Preparing your home’s roof before winter arrives is critical for avoiding costly damage. You definitely don’t want to have to deal with repairs in the middle of the winter season. Aside from cost considerations, a strong roof is critical to the safety of those inside the home. A broken roof can cause leaks or falling parts, which can be dangerous to people near the house and its surroundings.

Inspect Your Roof Before the Winter Months

Conduct a Visual Inspection

The first thing you need to do is to have a visual inspection of the roof. Ensure you get close to see any damages that may not be visible from afar. Remember that the roof comprises many parts, such as shingles, ridges, gutters, membranes, etc. Make sure you have all the components inspected for damages.

Note that a thorough inspection requires climbing the roof and walking around it, so safety should be prioritized. If you’re uncomfortable doing this, we strongly advise hiring a roofing professional for safety and effective inspection.

Clear Out Gutters and Downspouts

As part of the drainage system, gutters and downspouts are vital in keeping water off the roof and keeping it dry and away from water-caused damages like leaks. However, like other parts of the roof, problems can occur to these systems. For instance, clogged gutters. Blocked pathways will result in ineffective water drainage, further spreading the damage to other parts of the roof and inside your home.

If you notice debris, leaves, or other elements accumulating in your gutters and downspouts, clear them immediately. With perfectly working gutters and downspouts, you ensure your home can get rid of the water when the wet weather comes pouring down.

Repair or Replace Damaged Components

Address Shingle Damage

Shingle damage is one of the most significant deteriorations to the roof. Cracked, curled, or missing shingles will no longer provide adequate protection to your property, especially during cold and wet winter weather in Pittsburgh. If you notice any of these signs, contact your trusted roofer to have it repaired or replaced before the season comes.

Inspect and Repair Flashing

Another component to look out for is flashing, an integral piece used to direct water away from wherever the roof plane meets a vertical surface. Without proper flashing, water will slowly drip between the walls and potentially inside your home. Ensure your roof’s flashing is still firmly intact. Any signs of deterioration should be addressed right away.

Prevent Ice Dams from Forming

Ice dams are formed when snow melts on the warm part of the roof and refreezes at the colder edges. These ice dams can block proper drainage, causing leaks and structural damage.

Improve Attic Insulation and Ventilation

Aside from keeping your home warm in the winter, attic insulation and ventilation help prevent ice dams from forming. By maintaining the temperature inside the house, such as through proper insulation and ventilation, warm air is prevented from escaping outside, resulting in melting snow. Check for gaps or cracks around vents and chimneys, and properly seal any air leaks.

Install Ice and Water Shield Membrane

For extra protection, install ice and water shield membranes. These barriers will ensure your roof can withstand threats from ice dams, just in case they do present themselves during the freezing winter days. With the combination of proper insulation and water shield membrane, you’ll have the maximum protection against winter weather damage.

Trim Overhanging Branches

you should take other preventative measures, such as trimming overhanging branches. This prevents them from falling to your roof, clogging gutters, and scratching or damaging the roof’s surface. This is especially true in extreme weather conditions such as high winds.

Clear the area around the house of any overhanging branches so that when extreme weather strikes, these threats, such as those posed by the tree and its branches, do not affect your home.

Waterproof Your Roof for Extra Protection

As winter is a wet season, you want to maintain your roof’s waterproof capabilities to prevent water infiltration. Check the sealants around the roof and the gutters and replace or add more as needed. As we mentioned earlier, this should also apply to other waterproof measures, such as the water shield membrane and flashing.

Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection

All of the steps we’ve discussed so far require proper technique and execution. Improperly installing shingles, gutters, or other parts of the roof will not only provide ineffective protection but will exacerbate the problem.

You want winter roofing preparation done properly and professionally. Contact your trusted roofing company to maximize your home’s protection before winter arrives.

What to Do After Heavy Snowfall or Ice Storms

Clear Snow Safely

Heavy snowfall can create havoc on your home and surroundings. Each time heavy snowfall occurs, you want to clear the snow to mitigate potential damage. Use a roof rake to remove excess snow, and remember never to climb up the roof, as it can definitely be slippery. Always prioritize your safety first and call in the professional who has all the tools and safety precautions as part of the process.

Look for Signs of Damage After Storms

Winter storms can take a toll on your roof, so it’s vital to check right away to ensure it’s still intact and continues to protect your home. Look for signs of damage both on the exterior and interior. Obvious signs of damage include bent gutters, missing shingles, roof sagging, etc. Also, look for signs of water leaking, like stains or sagging ceilings.

End Note

Maintaining your roof in good condition should be a year-round goal, not just during the winter. However, extra precautions should be taken before any severe weather, such as that experienced during the winter. With heavy snowfall, freezing temperatures, cold rain, and strong winds, your roof must be in excellent condition to effectively protect your home.

You can strengthen the roof and maintain protection during the winter by thoroughly inspecting it, addressing any issues that arise, and implementing additional protection and prevention measures. Furthermore, seek professional assistance to ensure that inspection, repairs, replacements, and installation are completed correctly for maximum protection. Look no further than JP Roofing for all of these crucial steps. We have an experienced group of roofers ready to help you prepare your roof for winter weather.

Winter Roofing Preparation