How to Weatherproof Your Roof This Winter

Winterizing a roof is all about structural integrity. That includes water infiltration, preventing collapse from snow or ice weight, and keeping the house or building snug and adequately ventilated. Keep reading as your Collingwood roofers walk you through the winterization of your roof before, during, and after winter arrives

1. An ounce of Prevention

It’s no secret that roof repair and replacement can be expensive. That’s why preventative maintenance is so essential. This fall, make a point to make sure your roof is in excellent shape. Start by:

  • Inspect the roof for loose or damaged shingles. If your building has a flat roof, look for damage to the roof’s seal, soft spots where the roof moves when walked on, and low spots where water might pool. If you are uncomfortable getting on the roof, we can do this for you.
  • Inspect the gutter system for loose or broken segments. Gutters take a beating when snow and ice buildup on the roof. Gutters have one of the most critical jobs on the roof, and that is to shuttle water away from the roof and foundation of the house. Make sure the downspouts are snuggly fit to the gutters and that they direct water away from the home.
  • Check the vents and chimney caps; vent screens cover the vents keeping them free of occlusions from bird nests, wasp nests, and other debris that can clog the vents. Soffit vents also should have intact screening to keep pests out of the house. The chimney caps should fit snuggly onto the stack and be in good repair. Caps take a lot of element pressure, but their guide wires can weather and break, and the cap’s fit can loosen due to strong winds.

2. Upgrade, Repair and Replace

If your gutter system took a beating last year or if ice dams formed, consider upgrading the gutter system on your home, business, or outbuildings. A closed gutter system allows water to drain without leaf buildup. That process helps to reduce ice dams from forming.

  • Shed the Weight – Water is one of the heaviest substances on earth, and too much ice on your roof can cause physical damage to the roof, even collapse. During winter or between storms, remove any ice or snow that builds upon the roof quickly.
  • Shingle Replacement – Replace any damaged shingles before the fall and winter storms come. High winds can cause the loose shingle to fly off the roof. During heavy rains, loose shingles can allow water to infiltrate the house and cause water damage. If your roof needs replacing, consider upgrading to a metal roof.
  • Roof Repair and Replacement – It may not be time to replace the entire roof. Patching and section replacement is also an option. If there is yearly damage in certain areas, those areas can be repaired, and the shingles upgraded. For flat roof and commercial roof repairs, now is the time to get those chores done.
  • Maintain the Roof Structures – Skylights and seams around chimneys and vent tubes crack and split, creating water to seep under the flashing and shingles. A small pond on your roof can drain into your business or home if they have flat roofs, creating a massive amount of water damage. Making sure that the sealing around roof structures is intact is highly proactive and preventative.
  • Check for Loose Siding – Siding damage is not uncommon. Wind can cause the boards to loosen until they allow water to seep into the walls. If there are loose areas of siding on your home or business, repairing those sections of replacing them helps keep the water out of your building. It also helps to maintain the barrier that keeps your building warm in winter.
  • Attic Inspections – The attic area is a vital part of winterizing a home. Too little insulation or damaged insulation from a leaky roof can mean mold and heat loss. The attic is also a place to look for small roof leaks as the water will stain the wood. If your home or business needs attic insulation or parts of the insulation replaced, we can help.

Winterizing your home’s or business’ roof is best done during the fall months. It is not too late for 2020 for roof maintenance and repair services. Your Collingwood roofers are available, and we serve the Owen Sound, Hanover, Collingwood, Midland, Barrie, and Guelph communities.