Winter Is Coming. Your Gutters and Roof Need to Be Ready

Fall is the long stretch that leads to winter. It means heavy sleet and snow very soon. With each seasonal change also comes house maintenance, upkeep, and other cleaning requirements. You need to be prepared for its challenges so you can protect your home. 

The best way to prepare for these changes is to do early cleanup and checking to preempt any issues. It will make sure your roofs, gutters, and upper parts of your house are able to keep up with the upcoming cold weather and its effects.

You need to start early—at least a week or two before winter hits. Here are some tips to help you get ready.

Checking and Cleaning the Gutters

Many roofs and gutters will need cleaning by fall. Lots of fallen leaves, small branches, and wood will settle on the roof and gutters during this season.

Make sure to check connecting gutter pipes for any stuck wood, debris, and branches that might clog it. Try power leaf blowers or a plumber’s snake tool for clearing blockages.

Manual clearing of debris and tree matter is best followed by a cleaning session with a pressurized water hose. You can also use air blowers if you have them. It will clear out all your gutter network passageways. 

Remember: if your gutter passageways don’t flow well, it will accumulate snow, which can lead to damaged gutters and water damage in the home.

Possible Damage Checks

Maintenance checks will also reveal if you already have a damaged roof or gutters. Depending on the age of your roof, parts of it may be worn out.

Connecting screws and gutter connections may already be worn out or loose. It is easy to miss these small issues. Test the tightness of their connections, and check for any in-between leaks as well. 

For basic leaks, you can locate them and seal them with durable waterproof sealant. It will protect from any spills from extending and freezing when winter comes.

You might spot damage you’ve never noticed before, especially if it is your first inspection in a long time. You may need to book a roofing contractor to replace damaged ones before the snow comes. Even minimal damage that looks insignificant can progress to big trouble in a matter of months. A little proactiveness goes a long way. 

Take Other Preventative Steps

If the area around your home is filled with trees, that’s greatly beneficial for sun protection, flood control, and better oxygen levels. However, the amount of leaves, branches, and other debris trees produce may be overwhelming at times. They can fill up gutters and clog them if left unattended.

To address these issues, we highly suggest trimming trees. It will keep gutters and the roof clear. Others, though, may go the extra mile and use gutter guards. They cover just enough to deter debris while allowing water to flow freely through your gutters.

Final Notes

Winter is coming, and with it, heavy snowfall and frost. Be prepared to perform maintenance checks and clearing as early as fall. Avoid future hassles and headaches from winter-related issues. The last thing you need is a damaged gutter or roof.

For gutter and roofing damage, call Roof Pros, the consummate gutter and roofing professionals. We are licensed residential roofing contractors you can rely on for these problems. Don’t even delay; we’re just a phone call away.