The winter weather will be here before you know it. As you pull out your winter clothes, turn on the heat, and prep your yard for the chillier temperatures, one thing that needs prioritizing is winterizing your roof. Your roof is your first line of defense against the cold winds, snow, and sleet, so you want to ensure it can keep you and your family warm and dry all winter. To best prepare for the seasonal changes, the roofing professionals at Romero Roofing & Siding share five winter roofing tips.
Prune and Remove Hanging Branches
In the Greater Philadelphia area, autumn brings falling leaves and branches. While your trees offer protection from the sun’s UV rays during the summer, they can damage your roof in the fall and winter seasons. Overhanging branches can scratch shingles or dent your roof. Leaves, needles, and other debris can make their way into your gutter system and cause mold and mildew growth or clogs. It’s best to trim branches hanging over your roof, and if more than 25% of the tree needs pruning, you might want to consider removing it altogether.
Clean Your Gutters
Your gutters collect more than just water, especially during the fall. Leaves, dirt, and twigs build up over time, causing mold growth, blockages, and clogs. Your gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year as a preventative measure. Ignoring the buildup can encourage mold and mildew, leaks, pest infestation, and clogs, and it can even jeopardize the integrity of your roof. If you need a new gutter system installed or are interested in a cleaning, contact the roofing professionals at Romero Roofing & Siding today.
Inspect Roofline, Valleys, and Shingles
One of the best things you can do for your home when preparing for winter is to check your roofline, valleys, and shingles. Your roof lines should be straight; any signs of sagging, dipping, or curving are indications that something isn’t quite right. During winter, heavy snowfall can add stress to the roof, making sagging worse.
Inspect shingles for any cracks, breaks, or missing or damaged shingles. These areas will be more prone to leaks when the snow starts to fall. If you notice broken shingles, they should be replaced immediately.
Roof valleys are the low spots on your roof where two sloped sections meet. These areas are especially prone to leaks. When clearing debris from your roof and gutters, take extra care to remove any leaves or twigs from the valleys and inspect for wear and tear. If not taken care of, valleys can harbor moisture, and mold and mildew can grow.
Check Attic Insulation and Ventilation
Good attic insulation and proper ventilation are the best ways to stay warm, save on utility bills, and protect the structural integrity of your roof. Your roof’s insulation helps keep warm air inside and a properly vented attic can reduce snow and ice accumulations and allow air to flow freely.
Professional Roof Inspection
The fall season is the perfect time to schedule your roof inspection! At Romero Roofing & Siding, our experienced team can perform one ahead of the winter weather, identify damages, and repair or replace your roofing system. We only recommend and install roofing materials from the best, well-known manufacturers and carry a 50-year warranty on materials and a 10-year workmanship warranty.
Preparing for Winter With Romero Roofing & Siding
Don’t take your roof for granted this winter season. The professionals at Romero Roofing & Siding are here to guarantee your roof protects and insulates your home throughout the winter. Contact us at 610-487-0262 to schedule an appointment.
