When it comes to roof maintenance, it’s often advised to leave an array of tasks until the weather is dry and temperate and there’s no ice to be seen. While this is good advice from a safety perspective, many property owners will find that winter is the time when these areas of the home are under the most stress.
With often extreme weather conditions and plenty of reasons to keep everything secure during the harshest months, it’s never a good idea to leave things until they are too late. Maintaining a roof is something that should be undertaken year-round, but there are some special considerations for wintry weather to ensure the ongoing well-being of a home and its occupants. Before searching for roof repair near me, let’s take a look at some best practices for maintenance this season.
Top tips for winter roof maintenance
- Inspect gutters
This is one of the simpler tasks to undertake for winter roof maintenance, as these can show signs of damage from ground level. For example, it will be relatively easy to spot icicles forming, which could lead to additional weight and cause fittings to pull away from the property. It's quite common for guttering and downspouts to become clogged with leaves, twigs, and moss at this time of year, too. If you are unable to spot buildup easily, you can check if water is free flowing or if there are any leakages or wet spots forming during rain and periods of melting snow.
- Look at your roof tiles and slate
It won't be too difficult to see if your roof has any missing slate or if tiles are damaged - and these can be extremely important to get repaired as soon as possible. Roofing that is already suffering some level of damage will likely pose problems more in wintry weather conditions, as rain and snow will filter through into the house with little obstruction.
- Don't overlook chimneys and flashing
While many leaks can come from damaged slate and tiling, you’ll be surprised to hear that a significant number of actually come from chimney areas. If there are signs of cracking or even small holes appearing in the flashing around the base of the chimney stack, your home could experience damp issues, wood rot, and potentially even structural damage.
Should I look for roof repair in Dayton?
It's important to note that you should always reach out for expert help and roof repair in Dayton if you are unsure of any potential issues. It's not always going to be possible to climb ladders yourself or to understand early signs of wear and tear, so don’t be afraid to contact a specialist for assistance.
