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The Ultimate Guide on How to Prepare Your Roof for Winter
- John
- Nov 20
- 5 min read
When winter arrives and it is time for snow, the roof of your house is the first thing that protects you from the bad weather. A decent roof will ensure that water will not drip into your house and that your living place will remain safe from water damage. However, the majority of homeowners do not think about having their roofs checked until it is too late. Preparing your roof before winter ensures safety, comfort, and peace of mind.
Ontario winters, and particularly those around the Oshawa area, can be hard on roofs. The combination of snow, ice, and severe winds can damage shingles, flashing, and gutters. It is a good idea to have a reliable pro do your roof repair in Oshawa and prep your shelter for the cold season. In this guide, we will explore how to get your roof ready for winter.
1. Inspect Your Roof Thoroughly
The very first thing to do when preparing the roof for winter is to inspect it thoroughly. Examine the roof for any cracked, curling, or shingles that are missing as these will allow moisture to get in and thus cause leaks when the snow starts to thaw. Also, inspect closely the areas around the chimneys, vents, and skylights, as these parts of the roof are the typical sources of leaks.
Don’t take the risk of repairing everything by yourself; it would be better if you called a professional roof repair service in Oshawa. They have the tools and the knowledge to find the places that are damaged under the roof, and they can do the necessary fixes before the season takes a turn for the worse.
2. Clean Out the Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters are necessary things that allow your roof and house to be protected from water damage. During the fall season, leaves, branches, and dirt can clog gutters and downspouts. When water is stopped, it can come back to your roofline, breach your soffit, and freeze; as a result, ice dams are formed. In case your gutters are broken or hanging, get them fixed immediately with the help of your roof repair in Oshawa service.
3. Check for Proper Insulation and Ventilation
You really need an insulated attic to reduce icing and to maintain low energy costs. In the case of a badly insulated roof, warm air from the inside of your house will find its way out, hence the snow on your roof will melt unevenly. Once that melted snow freezes again, ice dams will appear that can eventually cause damage to both your shingles and your gutters.
Likewise, proper ventilation is necessary. It helps fresh air to move through your attic, thus maintaining a balanced temperature and avoiding condensation. A professional roofer in Oshawa and Durham Region should check the insulation and ventilation in your attic to be sure that your roof is going to be stable during the winter season. Government certified roofers like John McLellan Contracting can air seal your attic and upgrade your insulation.
4. Trim Overhanging Branches
In case the trees are too close to your roof, winter storms can turn them into a danger. A burst of snow or ice may cause the branches to break and fall, thus destroying your shingles, gutters, or the parts of your home. Make sure that you cut back the branches that are in contact with or are hanging over your roof before the winter season. This also makes roof access more difficult for squirrels and raccoons.
5. Fix Leaks and Weak Spots Early
During the winter period, those minor leaks that you might have sometimes ignored can grow into huge problems. The process is quite simple - water gets into the cracks, it freezes, and since ice takes more space than water, it expands and the damage gets bigger. On top of that, it can cause mould, rotting, as well as insulation issues in your house.
There is no more appropriate time for fixing leaks than before the weather goes below freezing. A roof inspection service in Oshawa should be employed to locate your leaking areas, and you can get them mended at once. Besides, professional roofers in Oshawa and Durham Region will have the correct tools and materials to make the repairs last even during the cold season.
6. Remove Debris and Moss
Leaves, twigs, and moss are things that hold moisture, and that moisture can slowly eat away at your roof’s surface. It is advisable to remove the debris from the roof by using a blower or a soft broom before the cold season sets in.
Pressure washers should be avoided, as they have the potential to detach shingle granules or force water under them. After the roof is cleaned, there is an option to apply a moss prevention product if you want. It is a great way to ensure your roof stays in good condition and is free of moisture throughout the season.
7. Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection
Maybe your roofing appears okay from the sidewalk, but there can still be some concealed problems that only a professional can recognize. So, booking a pre-winter check with certified roofers in Oshawa is the safest way to confirm that everything is set before the chilly season comes.
Experts will visually inspect your flashing, seals, chimney joints, and other areas that are most likely your attic or that you regularly overlook. Additionally, they can give you the information on whether you require simple or significant work, such as re-shingling. Spending money on an inspection today is a way of saving yourself from a costly repair or a distress call at an inconvenient time during the cold season.
Final Thoughts
It is one of the wisest choices a homeowner can make when he prepares his roof for the cold season. A sturdy and properly serviced roof is the one that will protect your home from snow, rain, and extreme cold and keep it dry and energy-efficient. In case you are not sure about the first thing to do, contact a reliable roofing repair in Oshawa service provider. They will provide you with the inspection, maintenance, and repair services that are suitable for your needs in Oshawa.
Homeowners who need reliable professionals to do their seasonal maintenance or help with a roof repair in Oshawa can count on McLellan Contracting. Their team of expert roofers in Oshawa is there to offer you the most complete and accurate inspection, the best quality of repairs, and a total roofing service suitable for the coldest Canadian winters.
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