If you want to have the best protection from the winter weather and a roof that will hold up and be safe, you should check the following six things. It could be the difference between being safe and warm in the winter and having a major problem with your roof.
1. The first thing you should do is to check the framing structure of your roof. Stand back and look to see if there are any parts of your roof that sag or parts that are uneven. Sagging could indicate a problem with the roof deck.
2. Next, get on the ladder and inspect the gutters. They should be clear of leaves and other debris. The gutters give your roof a way of getting rd of rain and snow. If the water stays on the roof, it could cause a leak or an ice dam.
3. Beside checking the gutters for debris, you need to check to make sure that they are securely fastened to your roof. You don’t want them to fall off of the roof or cause an overflow of water or snow. Roof water that is misdirected could cause damage to your walls and the interior of your home as well as to the roof and the outside.
4. Next check all of the places in your roof where it comes together: all of the valleys. These areas tend to collect debris. The problem comes when the debris adds weight to the roof or blocks the rain or the snow. Leaves can soak up water and then remain wet or freeze. These are prime areas for leaks.
5. Do you know what the flashing is? It is the most common cause of leaks. In fact, our leaky roof was caused by faulty flashing. Flashing is the metal pieces that are usually used over joints, around vents, around chimneys, around skylights and around pipes that emerge from your roof. The flashing needs to be inspected often, since wind and weather can loosen or tear it, causing leaks and water damage.
6. Finally, examine the shingles on your roof, if you have them. They should not be curling, none should be missing, and there should be no damage done by birds or animals.
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