It may be too early to worry about winter, but when it comes to your roof, winter should always be on your mind. Especially because winter in Chicago can be particularly unpredictable, you have to make sure that your roof is designed and constructed to the right standards so it can stand up to the worst possible weather condition. Don’t wait until the cold season is on your doorstep before having your roofing system checked by a trusted roofing company like Muller Exteriors. But before you ring up one, try these simple winter roofing tips first.
Prepare for Ice Dams
Ice dams occur when snowmelt pools behind the ice buildup along the margins of your roof. This water can back up under the shingles and leak into your house. You can prevent this from happening by keeping heat out of your attic. To do that, you have to provide your roof with sufficient ventilation through an air channel right underneath the shingles and along the ridge. The goal is to keep the temperature in the underside of your roof the same as that on the surface to prevent the ice from melting.
Clean and Protect Those Gutters
It’s no use preventing ice dams from forming if your gutters are clogged and dysfunctional. During a fine day when temperature is a bit warmer, ice on your roof will start melting and causing the same problem you tried to avoid by installing that extra ventilation system, unless the water is drained quickly through the gutter. Make sure that your gutter is equipped with a protector to prevent debris from clogging the path of water. One way to check if the gutter is working fine is to pour water into it and see if it goes straight down the catch basin.
Seal the Flashing
Flashing is installed around the chimney, vent pipes and along the valley of your roof. They close up gaps between major parts of the roof, which are most vulnerable to leak. Another way of getting your roof ready for winter is ensuring that the flashing is properly sealed off. If you find signs of damage or wear, replace the flashing immediately. If possible, secure all flashing by re-plastering with plastic cement.
Keep Pests Out
It’s winter not just for you but for squirrels, raccoons, mice and birds, too. They, too, are looking for a warm place to get out of the cold and they might see your home as a welcome relief. They usually get inside houses through the roof. While it would be nice to welcome them into your home, they can cause serious damage, which might badly affect your own comfort. Make sure your roof is free from any damage that can give them a way in.
Decide – Roof Replacement vs. Repair
When preparing your roof for winter and it has too many damaged sections, decide whether to repair the damage or to replace the roof altogether. Of course, you can hire a qualified roofer to assess the damage on your roof and help you decide. Just make sure that the local roofing company you will hire to install your roof is a reputable one so your roof can perform well regardless of the season.
