Midwest homeowners are no strangers to extreme seasons and the damage they can cause to our homes. With harsh winter weather looming, there are important steps you can take to protect your home’s exterior. Now is the time to assess your roof’s condition and ensure it is ready to withstand imminent snow and ice. Read our roofers’ top five tips for roof maintenance during your home winterization this year!
Top 5 Roof Maintenance Tips From TrueSon Exteriors’ Roofing Contractors in Columbia, MO
1. Clean gutters and downspouts.
Maintaining clean gutters is an important step in household care, especially before snow and ice accumulate on your roof. Gutters exist to lead water, like rain, melted snow and ice away from your home and roof. If gutters are clogged with leaves, branches and other debris, you could experience significant issues like water damage.
It’s important to clear your gutters when conditions are not hazardous or icy. Even if the weather is decent, it’s not a bad idea to enlist in a professional to safely do the job for you during a roof inspection. That way you are prepared for when harsher weather hits! Whether you hire help or do it yourself, ensure all debris is gone, the drains and downspouts are unclogged and your gutters are tightly secured.
2. Invest in a roof rake.
Roof rakes are a handy snow removal tool that help relieve your roof from excess weight snow and ice can cause. Plus, they’re easy and safe to use! Just keep a few things in mind:
- Use your roof rake after every 6 inches or so of snowfall.
- Stand on the ground when using a roof rake to remove snow — not on a ladder or on your roof.
- Look out for icicles when using your roof rake to prevent them from falling near you.
- Get a plastic roof rake or one with rollers so you don’t rub granules off your shingles.
3. Inspect your attic and ensure it has proper ventilation.
Don’t overlook the important function of your attic when thinking about your roof. During the winter, heat from your home can escape through the attic if it’s not properly insulated and ventilated. You’ll be left with chilly air and higher energy bills as a result. Additionally, your roof can be subject to water damage, shingle issues and the formation of ice dams, which are thick ice ridges indicative of poor ventilation.
Make sure your attic’s insulation is evenly distributed and air can be circulated properly throughout the seasons. Not sure where to start? Your local roofing company can help! TrueSon Exteriors’ roofers can offer professional expertise, fix ventilation problems and perform roof repair in Columbia, MO.
4. Examine your roof's flashing.
Flashing is a thin material made of aluminum or galvanized metal that’s used in the seams of your roof and around vents, chimneys and skylights. Its primary purpose is to direct water off your roof, preventing it from getting into your home and causing water damage.
Extreme weather can weaken your flashing and cause it to tear and loosen. In order to prevent costly leaks and water damage from winter snow and ice, it’s important to have your roof’s flashing inspected. This kind of roof maintenance can seem small, but it’s crucial to preventing more expensive roof repairs later down the road.
Contact a professional mid-Missouri roofer to safely inspect your roof’s flashing and make sure it is sealed tightly enough to prevent your home from damage.
5. Get roof repair for any damaged shingles.
Just like flashing, your shingles experience normal wear and tear throughout the seasons. Look for shingles that are curling, loose or missing entirely. If your roof has damaged shingles, it is in your best interest to repair them before winter weather hits.
Another way to spot damage is to inspect your gutters for granules. Granules are the grainy materials used on shingles to protect them from UV rays and add fire resistance. If they’re rubbing off of your shingles and winding up in your gutters, your roof will be less protected from the elements.
If you spot any of these signs of shingle damage, call a roofing company quickly. Shingles are an important line of defense on your roof, and you may face leaking and roof replacements if they’re neglected. Call our professional mid-Missouri roofers to inspect your shingles and provide any roof repair you need to prevent further damage.
Choose TrueSon Exteriors as Your Roofing Company in Columbia, MO
Mid-Missouri's Top Roofing Contractors & Roof Repair
Your roof is a huge investment for your property, so taking care of it should be a top priority! The team at TrueSon Exteriors can take care of everything when it comes to your home’s exterior, including roofing, siding, windows and more.
Our roofing contractors in Columbia, MO can install and repair any kind of roof, including:
- Asphalt roofs
- Steel roofs
- Concrete roofs
- Composite roofs
Please remember to not perform roof inspections yourself if it poses a danger to your safety. It’s better to be safe than sorry and allow a professional to assess your roof’s condition.
In need of an inspection or roof repairs in mid-Missouri? Call our roofing contractors in Columbia, MO for a free estimate on your project! (573) 442-7292
Let’s have some fun and learn some things together along the way! Reach out to our marketing guy: jeff@truesonexteriors.com.
