Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against severe winter weather, so it’s important to prepare before the rain, ice, and snow arrive.
This article walks you through the steps to winterize your roof, no matter where you live. These steps include:
- Clear your roof of debris and check for overhanging branches.
- Inspect your roof for damage or missing shingles, tiles, or shakes.
- Take steps to weatherproof it.
By taking these precautions, you can rest easy knowing that even when the weather outside is frightful, your roof will be ready to handle whatever comes your way.
Start with a Clean Roof, Free of Hazards
It helps to begin with a clean surface. This will let you get a clear look at your roof and any areas that might be vulnerable to wind and water damage.
Remove Dirt and Debris
Start by removing any accumulated debris such as soil, sand, twigs, blown trash, and other unwanted materials. Depending on what you find, you may need to clean by sweeping or hosing it down. A leaf blower can also be effective.
Pressure or power washing is generally not recommended for most roofs, as it can strip granules from shingles and create excessive force that drives water into cracks and crevices. This can damage the underlayment and even allow water to seep into your home’s interior.
If you live in a damp climate, you may find certain microorganisms or small plants, such as lichens, moss, algae, or fungi have taken hold on your roof. These should be removed with gentle brushing and a roof-cleaning solution. Afterward, a preventive treatment can be applied to discourage any regrowth of these organisms.
If your roof is steep or you’d rather not climb up yourself, consider hiring a roofing or home maintenance company. Some firefighters, trained in ladder safety, also offer this service on their days off. Just be sure anyone you hire is insured and bonded to protect you from liability in case of an accident or accidental roof damage.
Trim Back Nearby Trees
When trees grow too close to the roofline, they can be a source of damage for several reasons:
- Branches that hang over the roof trap moisture and prevent it from drying out properly, which can cause the roofing material to age prematurely.
- Fallen sticks and branches can scratch or puncture the roof.
- Leaves and pine needles clog your gutters and downspouts. This prevents drainage and contributes to ice dams in snowy regions (see more on that below).
Therefore, you want to trim back trees so they’re clear of the roof and gutter line. For your safety, you may want to consider hiring a professional arborist to handle those hard-to-reach branches.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Your gutters and downspouts are designed to channel rainwater and melting snow from the roof to the ground, thereby preventing water from pooling on your roof. But if they are clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris, they can’t do their job properly.
To prepare for winter, make sure your gutters are clear of blockages. Adding gutter covers can make this job easier. You can check if they’re clear by using a garden hose to pour water into the gutters and watching for it to flow freely. If you’d prefer, you can hire someone to clean them for you.
Check for Damage or Vulnerable Spots
Once the roof is thoroughly cleaned, inspect it for any loose or missing tiles or shingles. Check also for areas where water might leak in, particularly around flashing (the metal material at joints). Common trouble spots include the base of the chimney, at the edge of dormers, or around skylights, flues, and plumbing vents.
Before the snow arrives, replace any broken or missing roofing materials. Ensure the flashing is secure and replace any damaged or deteriorated flashing. You may also need to apply caulking or roofing cement for extra waterproofing.
Check for sagging or dips in the roof. This could signal issues with the surface material or indicate problems with the underlayment or decking. These issues should be addressed before harsh weather sets in, especially if you live in an area with heavy snowfall.
Finally, inspect the attic or upper stories of your home for signs of water damage. Brown spots, peeling paint, crumbling ceiling plaster, and mildew smells are all indicators of potential water damage, either from the roof or the flashing.
Also, make sure your roof ventilation is intact and free of debris. Ridge vents, which run along roof peaks, should be checked as well, as they’re vulnerable to wind damage.
Get Ready for Winter Rain and Snow
Once you’ve confirmed your roof is free of any potentially leaky spots, including around the flashing, you can confidently move on to your last-minute winter preparations. This includes:
- Adding insulation to your attic or uppermost story if needed.
- Installing gutter covers to keep leaves and other unwanted debris from clogging them.
- Investing in snow guards if you have heavy snowfall and a steep roof.
- Buying a snow rake to clear your roofline and prevent ice dams from forming.
Snow guards protect people, property, and landscaping below the roofline by preventing large volumes of snow from sliding off. Gutter guards keep your gutters from filling up.
Ice dams are caused by poor insulation below the roof’s surface. When snow and ice on the roof melt, the water refreezes as it drips downward, forming a dam at the roof’s edge or over the gutter. This prevents proper drainage and can force water into the home’s interior around the eaves and fascia.
Improved insulation and removing excess snow from the roof with a roof rake will help keep ice dams from becoming a hazard. Proper attic ventilation will also help with this, as it releases moisture from the top of the home and maintains a more consistent temperature, reducing free-thaw cycles.
Finally, review your homeowner’s insurance policy to understand what coverage you have for roof-related incidents. You don’t want to find out after the fact that you’re not covered for something considered negligence rather than an accident or unavoidable weather event.
Consider DECRA Metal Roofing for Protection from Winter Weather
Insurance companies prefer residences with stone-coated metal roofing because it provides superior protection, resulting in fewer claims. Homeowners favor it too because of its many benefits:
- Lightweight: A durable and lightweight roof, such as metal roofing, adds reinforcing shear strength to the roof deck without adding additional weight. Additionally, the non-porous nature of metal roofs means that snow and ice typically slide right off the roof before it can accumulate.
- Long-Lasting: Metal roofs last two to three times longer than traditional roofing materials like asphalt shingles and wooden shakes, making winterizing your roof much easier year after year.
- Durable: DECRA Metal Roofs have the highest possible impact rating for hail, with a warranty covering hailstones up to 2.5 inches in diameter. Our panels are warrantied to withstand winds up to 120 miles per hour. This makes DECRA a great choice for colder climates, as they help to prevent the elements from seeping in, providing extra protection during harsh winter weather.
Plus, with DECRA, you can choose from a variety of colors and styles that replicate traditional roofing materials like tiles, shingles, and shakes for a look that perfectly matches your home’s aesthetics.
Want to see how DECRA would look on your home? Request a free sample or try our free visualization tool, and get ahead of the worst winter weather with a new stone-coated metal roof. Yes, our roofs can be installed in the winter!
