The cold and wet weather of winter can cause wear and tear on your home, especially the roof. At Landmark Roofing, we encourage our customers to perform a winter checklist on their homes before it gets too cold.
Part of that checklist includes inspecting your roof. When doing so, it is important to look for signs that may indicate the need for a roof replacement.
Read on to discover how to get your home ready for winter and roof damage warning signs.
Winter Checklist for the Home
Before the bitter cold sets in, here are a few things to take care of.
Clean Out the Gutters
Your gutters are a key support for keeping the roof in good shape. They need to be cleaned regularly but especially just before winter.
Falling leaves will quickly clog up the gutter system. When the gutters are clogged, the water will overflow and run down your house. This could deteriorate your foundation and your basement, creating all kinds of problems.
After the last big release of leaves, make sure the gutters are clear. Another great option is to install gutter guards. They greatly reduce the number of leaves and other debris from building up.
Check Home’s Exterior
Inspect the exterior of your home for paint that has peeled, blistered, or cracked. If paint is coming off, it is no longer protecting your home, which means it is time to reinforce the underlying material.
Old, outdated siding can put the safety of your home at risk. Put your mind at ease this holiday season knowing your home is protected with new siding. Consider having it replaced soon so you can relax
Check for Air Leaks
Make sure your house is warm and cozy all winter by keeping the cold air outside and the warm air inside. Examine windows and doors for gaps where air can escape. By caulking the cracks or applying weatherstripping around problem draft areas, you keep your home comfortable while saving on heating costs.
Install Storm Windows and Doors
Another way to reduce heat loss is by installing storm windows and doors in your home. These are especially helpful when you have windows that are old or single-paned glass.
Inspect Roof
No winter checklist would be complete with a thorough inspection of your roof.
Look for any loose or missing shingles and check the areas around the vents for leaks. You want to make sure these areas are repaired before the heavy snows come and cause a leak.
If you come across any of the following warning signs when inspecting your roof, you may need to start thinking about a replacement.
1. Missing Shingles
Missing shingles can be caused by many things. Storm damage, improper installation, wear and tear, or simply age.
If your roof is missing shingles your home is not being properly protected. Talk to the experts to determine if this can be fixed or if a replacement may be needed in the near future.
2. Excessive Damaged Shingles
One or two loose shingles do not require a complete roof replacement, but if there are several shingles that are cracked or curling up, you have a larger problem on your hands.
Check your gutters for granules from the shingles themselves. If the gutter is starting to fill up with them, that is also a sign the shingles have hit their lifespan.
3. Sagging Roof Sections
If a view of the roof shows visible sag or drop-in areas, there is most likely a moisture issue going on.
Not only will you need to address the issue of the leaking water, but the roof will also need to be replaced.
4. Signs of Water Damage Inside
Do you have water spots on the ceiling, in the attic, or even down the walls? This means water is getting in from somewhere on the roof.
It could be leaking from broken roofing material or damage caused by a storm. Another cause of leaks is space around the vents. Sometimes the caulking material dries out and allows for the water to come through.
5. Moss Growing on the Roof
While you do want your lawn and garden to be nice and green, you definitely don’t want the same for the roof.
The presence of moss or even algae on the roof means there is trapped moisture somewhere, which could be rather significant.
6. The Overall Age of the Roof
Nothing lasts forever, and that goes for the roof of your home. While a quality roof should last around 20 years, there will still come a time when it needs to be replaced.
If you are coming to the end of the lifespan for your roof, it is best to invest in a new one before costly repairs start to add up.
Don’t Let Winter Sneak up on You
Winter is about more than staying warm inside. While that is absolutely one goal, you also need to protect your entire home from the damages that winter can bring.
Taking the time to winterize your home will save money in expensive repair costs down the road while preserving the integrity of your home.
If you have any questions or concerns with the exterior of your home, contact Landmark Roofing by calling 443-214-2533 or sending us an email. We’re happy to give you our professional opinion and a free quote for replacement products.
Stay safe & stay warm this winter!
