When winter comes in Nebraska, you need to be prepared. You don’t want your pipes to burst, your roof to collapse, or water to get inside of your house. The best way to minimize any need for future repairs on your home is to winterize your roof. For help with this process, call Nelson Contracting at (402) 464-2418.
Winterizing Your Roof
It is essential to be a proactive and informed homeowner. Failing to prepare for winter now could mean paying for costly repairs later. Here are five things you can do to winterize your roof:
1. Clean gutters and downspouts
You need your gutters and downspouts clean to drain water away from your home. If your gutters are full of fallen leaves, dirt, and tree branches, water will back up or drain slowly. In the winter, this water will become built-up ice and snow on your roof.
Snow can be heavy, putting undue stress on your roof. Moreover, as the snow melts and refreezes, water can seep into your attic and cause problems. On a similar note, you need to check your gutters for holes and cracks to make sure they are working correctly.
2. Inspect your shingles
Your shingles are your roof’s first line of defense. Inspect your roof for missing sections, loose or broken shingles, or any other signs of damage. These small problems can be made worse by rough winter weather. For this reason, it is best to get these problems addressed immediately.
3. Take a look at your chimney
If you plan to use your fireplace during the winter, make sure it works! You should have your chimney serviced at least once a year to avoid any surprises. This will maximize healthy airflow and minimize your risk for a chimney fire.
4. Trim overhanging branches
Walk around your house and see if you have any trees hanging over your roof. When snow rests on tree limbs, they can break off and fall onto your house. This could damage your shingles or even create holes in your roof.
Branches that scrape against your house can also cause damage. Trim these to avoid damage to your siding and shingles. Do not prune your trees yourself. You can hire a professional contractor to perform these services for you.
5. Prevent ice dams
Ice dams happen when ice builds up on the edges of your roof and traps water behind it. You can prevent ice dams by keeping your roof warm. Some ways to do this are:
- Increase ventilation
- Add insulation
- Seal any air leaks
You can always be ready with a roof rake or ice melting materials just in case an ice dam forms. Ice along the edges of your roof can be hazardous for anyone who passes underneath it.
The most important thing you can do to prepare for a harsh Nebraska winter is to start early. In addition to increasing the longevity of your roof, you can reduce your heating costs. If you don’t want to do all of this work yourself, then contact Nelson Contracting at (402) 464-2418.
