Your roof is essential to your family’s well-being — it provides shelter, keeps you safe and protects your possessions. Harsh winds, icy conditions and snowstorms can damage your roof during the wintertime, which makes roof repairs and maintenance crucial.
Tips for Roof Repairs in the Winter
Roofing is a risky undertaking, even during dry months. If your roof experiences damage this winter, your best bet is to hire a reliable professional to fix it. They have the training and knowledge to get the job done efficiently and safely.
If you are thinking about making roof repairs in the winter yourself, it’s important to protect yourself. You’ll also want to check your warranty because some of the repairs might fall under the roofer’s responsibility — if so, they will fix it for you. Before climbing the ladder, consider these winter roof repair tips.
1. Keeping Yourself Safe
Safety is crucial. Consider these tips before stepping foot on the roof:
- Safe footwear: Wear shoes that protect your feet and have nonslip soles. They should protect your feet from falling objects and shield you from the weather.
- Wear a safety harness: Inspect the harness and try it on to make sure it fits you before using it.
- Arrest system: An arrest system allows you to walk on the roof without worrying about falling. Inspect it and test it first.
- Safety net: You can use a safety net for extra protection, but make sure to inspect it first and remove debris.
- Communication plan: Keep your phone with you at all times, and let someone know you are working on your roof.
Ideally, roof work is a two-person job to help ensure the safety of the person on top. During winter, be extra careful when walking around the roof.
2. Preparing Accordingly
Before you repair your roof in winter, consider a few things:
- Assess the weather: Choose a day with no snowfall or high winds. Reassess the weather the day you plan to work on your roof before starting.
- Dress for the weather: Wear the right clothes and layer up for protection. Add your safety gear on top.
- Gather your equipment: Inspect and clean all your safety equipment, and gather the materials you will need to work on your roof.
3. Conducting Repairs
If the weather looks bad on the day you’ve chosen to make repairs, you’ll want to wait. These tips will help you complete your roof repair:
- Inspect the roof: Look up at your roof from the ground to spot loose or damaged shingles, holes, or other potential hazards.
- Exercise great caution: Check for ice hidden under the snow, and be aware of your position on the roof at all times. Take small and steady steps, and be extra careful when climbing slippery ladders.
- Track your physical condition: Take small breaks and stop when you begin feeling overtired.
- Nurture yourself: While on the roof, drink hot drinks and eat high-calorie foods to keep you warm and boost your energy.
For some roof repairs, you’ll need to remove the snow first. Be aware of your surroundings and inform individuals inside your home before clearing the roof of snow.
4. Finishing Up
After you have finished the roof repair, take care of yourself. Here are a few tips:
- Find shelter: Head inside your home to get warm.
- Change your clothes: Remove the safety gear and your cold, damp clothes. Then, put on some clean, cozy clothes.
- Inspect and clean your safety equipment: Clean your equipment using a dry cloth. Inspect it and make sure it is in good condition. Let it dry if needed.
- Nurture yourself: Have a high-calorie meal, get some rest or go to bed.
You have done an excellent job fixing your roof, so give yourself and your body a well-deserved rest.
Tips for Maintaining Your Roof During Winter
You may be able to avoid roof repairs with preventive maintenance. Before winter starts, take a good look at your roof and prepare it for the harsh weather conditions to come. Follow these tips to keep your roof in top shape this winter.
1. Check the Roof’s Conditions
During the fall, walk around your home and examine the roof conditions from different angles. Check for leaks, sagging, holes, damaged shingles or other areas that may need repair. You can also call a professional to inspect your roof.
2. Clean the Gutters
Remove any twigs, leaves, debris and dirt from the gutters. You can do it with your hands while wearing safety gloves, or you can use a leaf blower or garden hose. The best way to avoid ice dams is to ensure proper water drainage during the winter.
3. Remove Branches, Debris and Microorganisms
Remove any low-hanging branches or those that hang over your roof. They can freeze, break and fall on your roof during a snowstorm. As a general rule, try to keep branches at least 10 feet away from your roof.
Additionally, clear accumulated debris and remove mildew, algae, or mold growing on your roof. Be careful not to damage the shingles during this process. You may want to rely on a professional to get rid of microorganisms.
4. Check Attic Ventilation and Insulation
Check that your attic has proper insulation. Good insulation keeps your attic’s temperature steady, reduces moisture, prevents snow from melting and refreezing, and lowers the risk of ice dams. Make sure your attic has enough vents, and keep them unobstructed to improve airflow.
5. Check Flashing
Flashing is a metal device that seals your roof’s vents, chimneys and skylights. Make sure the flashing is not damaged or rusted. If so, replace it before winter starts.
6. Remove Snow After a Heavy Snowfall
If you live in an area prone to heavy snowfall, you’ll want to carefully rake or shovel the snow off your roof the next day. If you wait too long, the snow could freeze and damage your roof.
Rely on AmeriPro Roofing for Winter Roof Repairs
Repairing a roof during winter is risky. Luckily, the trained and experienced AmeriPro Roofing team can fix roofs during any time of the year. Our roofers can assess your roof conditions to provide you with the best possible solution, whether you need roof repairs or a complete roof replacement. If you need an emergency during the winter, call us. As a 24/7 roofing company, we will be there as soon as possible to help you and keep your family warm and safe.
Schedule an inspection with AmeriPro Roofing to avoid potential issues during the winter.
