Winters along the Kitsap Peninsula are known for being wet and gray, with the occasional light snowfall. As you look to get your roof ready for winter, we have a simple and effective checklist for you to follow.
Give your Roof some Space. You will want to make sure your roof has enough space but cutting back trees. This keeps them from scraping the shingles and lessens the likelihood that a branch will fall on your roof and damage it.
Clean it up. In addition to giving your roof some space, make sure it’s clean. Winter means rain and lots of it. If you have moss sitting on your roof, it is going to act just like a sponge when it gets wet.
You should also make sure your gutters and downspouts are clean and clear. This allows the rain to move off your roof quickly. To make sure they are clear, simply pour water into the gutter and make sure it’s able to properly move away from your roof.
Make Repairs Now. Take some time to look for any broken or missing shingles, and make the repairs now, before the weather gets any worse.
Repairs should also be made to any damage caused by squirrels, birds, or mice. These are common unwanted visitors, and you should repair any damage done so they don’t take up permanent residence.
Check your Attic. Your attic should be insulated, so you want to take a quick look to make sure you don’t’ have any missing or damaged insulation. This will help keep your home warm in the winter and helps save on your energy bills.
You will also want to make sure that any exhaust fans, like from your kitchen or bathrooms, are venting outside, and not into your attic. This can create a humid environment in the attic, which then makes your roof prone to ice damming.
Don’t Forget your Chimney. If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace, you need to make sure you check your chimney, especially during the winter when it’s likely to be used. When inspecting the chimney, make sure the flashing is properly sealed, which helps prevent water damage in this area of your roof.
You’ll never regret maintaining your roof, especially as the cold months start to sink in. And if you notice something that’s bigger than you can handle, give us a call.
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