If you own a home in Bloomington, Lincoln, or Peoria, IL, you may already be more familiar with snow than you would like to be. All of these cities get about two feet of snow a year.
If you don’t take time to winterize your roof, the cold season will eventually take its toll. You may have no choice but to fix the damage done by snow and ice dams every winter. With regular upkeep, however, you can avoid costly damage repairs and improve your home’s energy efficiency too.
Are you unsure of where to start with winterization? Check out some tips below, and contact Sundown Exteriors for all your roof-related needs!
Inspect Your Roof
When was the last time you scheduled a professional inspection? If it has been more than a year or two, arranging one is the best way to start winterizing your roof.
Sundown Exteriors can set you up with a free roof inspection in Peoria, Bloomington, or Lincoln, IL. We will thoroughly inspect its current condition and pinpoint any potential problem areas, such as leaks, structural damage, and mold growth.
To winterize your roof, you may need to do the following:
- Replace missing shingles
- Repair broken flashing
- Fix decking damage
- Install snow guards
- Place new seals around chimneys and vents
These steps help ensure your home is ready for winter before the first snowfall.
Clean Your Gutters
When you’re ready to winterize your roof, make sure to include gutter maintenance. If you let leaves, sticks, and other debris linger in your gutters all winter long, they can create complications.
Clogged gutters prevent rainwater and melted snow and ice from reaching your downspouts. This could result in moisture backing up onto your roof, causing ice dams to form. Ensure your gutters are prepared to play their part in snow and ice removal by cleaning them out.
You may even want to consider calling Sundown Exteriors to install brand-new gutters before winter begins. This will guarantee that they are ready to protect your roof.
Trim Your Trees
Are there tree branches hanging over the top of your home right now? If so, they can endanger your roof unless you do something about it.
Snow and ice make tree limbs very heavy, which can cause them to come crashing down toward your home. Low-hanging branches can prevent your roof from drying out properly, prematurely aging the material. Excess leaves and pine needles may clog your gutters and lead to backed-up water.
When you trim your trees, it serves as a form of leak prevention, extends the lifespan of your roof, and helps keep your home safe.
Replace Your Attic Insulation
Attic insulation can last anywhere from 10 to 100 years, depending on the material. Even so, it’s important to perform an insulation check when you’re ready to winterize your roof.
Adequate insulation helps stave off the formation of ice dams. It maintains a consistent temperature in your attic, preventing snow from melting and refreezing. If your insulation has seen better days, replacing it will help winterize your roof.
Winterize Your Roof To Increase Its Longevity
When you winterize your roof, you will do more than help it survive another long winter in Bloomington, Lincoln, or Peoria, IL. You will also extend its lifespan and minimize the need for expensive roof damage repairs.
If you need assistance with winterization, Sundown Exteriors can help. Our experienced team offers quality roof inspections, repairs, replacements, and more.
Call us at (309) 275-6801 to schedule a professional service, or read through our other blog articles for additional tips on keeping your roof in excellent condition all year long.