Preparing Your Roof for Extreme Weather Conditions

Here in the metro St. Louis area, we have our fair share of damaging storms. As the weather turns colder and snow and ice are in the forecast, it's time to make sure your roof is in good shape.

Taking care of a few maintenance tasks before the snow flies saves aggravation and money. A roof that's in good shape is less likely to need expensive roofing repairs Fairview-heights-il. Follow these practical tips from the Lagunas Roofing experts, and you’ll be ready for whatever Old Man Winter brings our way. 

Schedule a Roof Inspection 

Do you know the condition of your roof? When was the last time you had it professionally inspected?

If you aren't sure how to answer either of those questions, have a roofer take a look to determine what's going on over your head and whether there's trouble brewing. Have a contractor check out the roof before winter arrives to ensure it’s structurally sound and free of any immediate concerns. If they find any vulnerable spots, arrange for roofing repairs to prevent further deterioration. 

Although you might be able to spot some damage from the ground, without a closer look and specialized knowledge, you won't catch every issue. Inspectors often find loose flashing and shingles, damaged gutters, and leaks that are impossible to see from a distance. Addressing these problems now means avoiding disasters later — for example, loose shingles may not hold up in high winds, or they could allow water to infiltrate the roof decking.

Clean the Gutters 

Gutters protect your home by channeling water from rain and melting snow off the roof. When they are full of debris, water backs up and spills over, causing damaging problems like ice jams. 

Tackle gutter cleaning before the snow flies. Remove accumulated leaves, twigs, and other debris, and perform an inspection to ensure they don’t have any cracks or loose or sagging areas. If you discover damage, schedule professional repair or replacement right away.

Downspout maintenance is also critical to preparing the roof for extreme weather. Make sure the downspouts are clear of all debris and directed away from your home so water drains away from the foundation. 

Trim Trees 

Trees around your home can threaten the roof during a storm. Schedule tree trimming to support healthier vegetation and ensure branches don't hang over the roof and there aren’t any dead limbs that could become projectiles during a storm. Trimming and pruning also help keep excess debris from clogging gutters. 

Also, watch for old, weak, or damaged trees on your property. Weakened trees are susceptible to falling during a storm and possibly damaging the roof. Work with an arborist or tree surgeon to determine the best way to address problematic trees. 

Remove Debris 

Roof debris, like leaves or pine needles, can wash into the gutters and cause clogs. Not removing it can cause mold and rot. Invest in a roof rake to make debris removal safer and easier, or call a professional to take care of cleanup if you cannot access it easily. 

Purchase Emergency Tarps 

Sometimes, even the unthinkable happens, and the roof sustains damage. Ideally, you’ll never need to use them, but be sure to have tarps on hand to protect your home against further damage while you wait for roofing repairs. If you aren’t familiar with tarp usage or the best way to install one, call a roofing company for help to ensure safety and avoid additional damage. 

Prevent Ice Dams 

During the day, snow can melt on the roof, but when the temperature drops after the sun goes down, that snow melt can refreeze at the roof's edge and in the gutter, building up into an ice dam. When this happens, water backs up under the shingles, causing a leak and widespread damage like stains, mold, and rot. 

Prevent this by keeping the gutters clean and reducing heat loss from inside your home to reduce the effects of thaw and freeze cycles. Seal gaps and cracks, and make sure the attic has adequate ventilation and plenty of insulation. Extra insulation also helps slash your home heating costs by keeping cold air outside and warm air in. 

Lagunas Roofing Will Get Your Home Ready for Winter 

Are you ready for the next severe weather event?

Working with Lagunas Roofing in Fairview Heights, IL, guarantees the confidence that comes from knowing your home can withstand even the worst weather conditions. To have our certified specialists perform a multi-point inspection and make roofing repairs, call (618) 300-5661 or fill out our contact form on our website.