Winters in Canada are unpredictable. Some years the snow comes early and in large quantities. In other years, we start the new year with little snow. Some years are milder, and others get the frigid temperatures that come with a polar vortex.
It isn’t easy to prepare when you don’t know what’s coming, which is why it’s essential to prepare for anything. If it’s a mild year with little snow, it might be possible to do little to no maintenance to get your house ready for winter, but since there’s no way of knowing, it’s best to take the time to make sure your house is in order.
The roof is the part of the house that bears the brunt of what winter throws at it. It has to carry the weight of snow and ice and stay strong as this start to melt away with the spring rain. For this reason, it’s absolutely vital that you make sure your roof is prepared for winter. Read on to find out the essential tasks you need to do to get your roof in peak condition so it can keep the rest of your house safe and warm from winter.
Roof Inspection
An annual professional roof inspection is essential, and it’s best to schedule this in the fall. While you can inspect your roof from the ground or while you are cleaning the gutters, it doesn’t compare to having a pro inspect your roof.
A roof inspection is much more than a quick check. Roofers inspect everything, including the flashing, sealant, gutters and valleys. Should any issues arise, it’s important to get these fixed in a timely manner. If a leak in your flat roof is identified, get a professional to Fix Your Flat Roof Leak immediately.
Making sure all these structural components of your roof are in tip-top shape and performing as they should be is vital. One weak area left unaddressed could escalate into more and more problems, becoming costlier to fix as time goes on and worse, putting the safety of your home in jeopardy.
Trim Trees
Trees are often the best part of a property. They are big and beautiful, but to your roof, they bring a lot of risks, so it’s best to trim them to keep them well away from your house.
As snow and ice buildup throughout winter, the accumulated weight can weaken branches, especially if they are already weak or rotting. If they are enough to cause them to break or high winds are strong enough to bring them down, they could damage your home, your property, or, worse, a person.
Clean Gutters
Free-flowing gutters are essential in the winter and spring. As snow and ice begin to melt, the water needs somewhere to go, and if your gutters are clogged with leaves and debris from the fall, the water could back up and cause pooling on your roof and leading to leaks, damage, and mould. Take the time in the falls to clean out your gutters to make sure the thawing snow and ice have somewhere safe to go.
Evacuate Unwanted Guests
Your roof is an attractive place for animals come the cold days and nights of winter. Raccoons and other animals are drawn to a warm roof, and if they can find a way in, they will. However, these animals gaining entrance into your roof and home can significantly affect the safety and performance of your roof.
It’s important to look for any signs of unwanted visitors and if any are found, to work with a professional who can safely remove animals and pests from your home and have their entry points repaired and reinforced.
Insulate Attic
Your roof inspection should include both exterior and interior inspection to ensure the structure is sound and there are no signs of water damage. The interior inspection is likely done from the attic, and another key task to take care of year is adding insulation. Proper insulation is key to reducing ice dams that can form and cause damage to your roof during the winter.
Follow these tips to make sure your roof is ready for any kind of weather conditions winter brings with it this year.
