Temperature extremes and precipitation are just some of the things that can have a significant impact on the condition of your home’s roof in the winter. Therefore, it’s important to take proactive steps to safeguard what is one of the most important components of your house.
Let’s take a closer look at the actions that you should consider and why you should hire a professional for assistance.
The Importance of Roof Inspections
You should have your roof inspected annually to determine its current condition. An inspection may discover signs of shingle damage, gutter issues, or other problems that might make it hard for your roof to protect your home against the elements. It will also give you a better idea as to what repairs and maintenance you should focus on before the cold, ice, and snow begin.
Replace Damaged or Missing Shingles
A visual inspection will determine if any shingles are missing on your roof. There is also the potential for shingles that are curled or damaged to the point that they cannot provide protection from water, pests, or other problems. If there are only a few shingles that seem to be damaged, you may be able to replace them with new ones.
However, if the damage seems to be widespread, it may be necessary to replace the roof regardless of how old it is. In some cases, you may think that the damage is localized, only to find out that there are significant problems that need to be resolved.
Failing to catch major issues in a timely manner could leave the rest of your home vulnerable to damage, such as wet insulation or wood rot. These secondary issues may not be covered by your insurance policy if they are caused by your failure to stop a roof leak.
Seal Gaps and Cracks
If your home has a chimney or skylight, there may be gaps between those items and the shingles surrounding them. It’s also possible that the chimney or skylight is cracked. In either scenario, you’ll want to have gaps or cracks sealed to prevent water from getting inside your home.
In addition, proper sealing can prevent cold air from coming into your house. Air leaks in the home decrease the overall comfort of your residence while also decreasing the overall efficiency of your heating system. This can also impact air quality in a negative way.
Check Gutters and Downspouts for Damage
Gutters that aren’t properly attached to your home are more susceptible to damage after a significant snowfall or ice storm. A professional can inspect your gutters for cracks or holes where water could fall through and potentially make its way back into your residence.
It’s imperative that your gutters remain free of ice, snow, or other debris during the winter. This prevents clogs or an ice dam. This scenario potentially promotes water flowing back toward the roof, which can cause serious damage.
If a downspout is clogged, it could prevent water from running out of the gutter and away from your property. Instead, water could flow back into the roof or flow over the gutters and back toward your house.
In some cases, looking at gutters or downspouts can help you spot potential shingle damage. For instance, if you see several asphalt granules caught in the gutter, it means that they are coming off the shingles.
Check for Signs of a Leak
A roof leak can be present for weeks or months before you notice it. However, often, there will be telltale signs that something is wrong and you need professional roof repair, such as mold or mildew growing on walls or stains on the ceiling of an interior room. You might also smell mold or mildew coming from the inside of a wall.
Water that comes through the roof into an interior space may cause the ceiling to sag. You might also notice that water tends to drip from the ceiling during a particularly intense rain event or when ice or snow melts after a winter storm.
Consider Adding Ventilation
An attic that is properly ventilated will ensure that there is proper airflow. You may want to consider adding ventilation to other areas that might be impacted by a lack of airflow, such as a basement and garage. This will help to prevent ice from building up on the roof as well as moisture from accumulating on the underside of the roof where it meets the attic.
Ventilation can also be beneficial during the summer months because it prevents humid air from collecting in the attic or other spaces throughout the house. This may minimize the risk of damaged shingles leading to mold growth or wood rot.
The Benefits of Working With a Professional
Contractors have years of experience working on roofs. We are more likely to be able to spot signs of damage that you might miss when you inspect the roof from ground level. In addition, a professional roofer will have the tools to complete work in a timely and safe manner.
In fact, it may be possible to have your roof repaired or replaced during the winter months by someone who understands how to do so properly. This prevents you from having to wait, and experiencing home and roof issues in the meantime.
You should also consider that a professional will be able to use their knowledge and experience to accurately diagnose the extent of any damage already present on your home’s roof. For example, the presence of mold on one shingle may alert a professional to the possibility of mold or other damage elsewhere.
In some cases, calling a professional may allow you to make repairs instead of having to schedule a full replacement because action was taken before mold or water damage could spread.
Finally, remember that a professional walking on your roof means that you don’t have to. This can spare both your roof and your body from incurring unnecessary damage. When not done properly, walking on a roof can damage shingles or cause other issues, and there is also a greater risk of a slip, trip, or fall that can lead to lasting injuries.
Working with a contractor can be ideal if you are going to file an insurance claim to pay for some or all the work your roof needs. Our team may be able to work directly with your insurance company to ensure that your house gets the care it needs. We can make sure that payment is made in a timely manner to alleviate your financial burden.
At Schmidt Roofing in St. Cloud, MN, we can help you with the installation of siding, skylights, or windows to ensure that your home looks great and can function properly throughout the year. In addition to shingle roofs, we can assist with inspection, repair, or replacement of wood shake, metal, or flat roofs to best meet your needs.
If you need a roof inspection, repair, replacement, or other commercial or residential roofing services in St. Cloud, MN, don’t hesitate to give our team a call today.
