Winter is Coming: Is Your Home’s Exterior Protected
This is an update to our post from last year. What’s new? We added a section on how to treat your windows to prevent heat from escaping and letting in the cold air.
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Winter is coming.
We demand a lot from our roofs, and to keep them from bending and breaking (this is figurative and sort of literal), we must take care of them. Like so many aspects of homeownership, you don’t have a problem until you have a problem. Your basement doesn’t flood until that crack in your foundation widens and a storm rolls in. You enjoy hot showers until your water heater peters out.
The same goes for your roof; it does its job until it can no longer withstand damage caused by the elements, and boy does winter bring the elements!
We previously wrote about preparing your roof for fall, and now it’s time to talk about winter. You’ll notice that some of the tips sound familiar, but winter is a different kind of beast.
Note that hiring a professional roofer is recommended for all these actions.
Check Your Roofline
The roofline comprises four features of your roof: fascias, soffits, bargeboards, and guttering. In short, each item protects your roof.
A tilted, dipping roofline, or a sagging roof are clear signs that your roof needs work. Your frame might need repair at this stage, but with some wear and tear from snowfall, ice, and rain, you might have to do a complete replacement.
Assessing your roofline is a job for a professional contractor.
Check Your Attic For Signs Of Seepage Or Water Damage
If you seldom visit your attic, you can often overlook leak damage. You should always check your attic for signs of a leak before the winter so that you can have them fixed before they see rain or snow.
Not only are they a structural risk, but they’re also a health hazard because moisture causes mold. It’s also important to check for disturbances to your insulation.
Again, a roofer is best suited to evaluate your attic’s condition.
Clean Out Debris
This goes for all seasons.
Roofs are debris magnets, collecting tree branches, leaves, dirt, and anything else that falls out of the sky. If neglected, they can solidify and absorb moisture during the winter. Not only does this put more load on your roof, but it also increases the rate at which further debris builds up. It’s best to nip it in the bud before you get the mold and mildew.
Clean Out Your Gutters
Much of the aforementioned debris clogs up your gutters. Your gutters drain your roof and help prevent rain damage. If they’re jameed with leaves and dirt, this can decrease outflow and lead to bigger problems later. Make sure your gutters are clean before winter sets in; they’ll be harder to clean in the cold.
Inspection: Patching & Siding
A roof inspection will monitor for all the above.
It will also address what kind of shape the shingles and siding are in. Roof shingles often require patching before winter. Since your home’s roofing and siding are closely linked, issues with one impact the other. Inspecting the siding around the roofline and making the necessary fixes will keep your home dry and safe.
What About Windows?
As the saying goes, windows are the eyes of the home. But in winter, they can also be the weak spot that lets cold air in and energy bills skyrocket. Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to protect your windows from winter weather:
- Keep your windows from drafts is to close the curtains at night. This will help insulate your home and keep warmth from escaping through the windows. Don’t have curtains? A temporary fix is to tape plastic film over the windows. This will create an airtight seal that will block out drafts.
- Make sure your windows are properly sealed. Inspect the caulking and weatherstripping around your windows and doors, and replace any worn or cracked seals. You may also want to consider adding storm windows to further improve insulation.
The Len Roofing & Remodeling Difference
When we say that we’re a top-quality home remodeling and roofing company that serves the North Shore and surrounding Chicagoland area, we back it up. We do more than simply cover the basics: we show up on time and nail it. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 847-768-6000 or visit our contact page.
