With wintertime steadily creeping up here on us in the greater Birmingham area, colder weather and snowy conditions are almost guaranteed as the season starts to change. While a blanket of snow can transform the most mediocre backyard into a dazzling winter wonderland, it can also do a serious number on your roof. And snow isn’t the only thing you need to be worried about – sleet, freezing rain, and heavy winds can also cause damage to your house. To help get your roof winter-ready and protect it from the elements, it’s important to follow these four tips for winterizing your home.
Keep Your Gutters Cleared
Before the winter storms start to roll in, you need first to make sure that your gutters are completely cleaned. It’s important to remove all the debris (including leaves, dirt, and even rogue twigs that could’ve gotten trapped within it) to help facilitate proper drainage. Furthermore, you also need to double-check to verify that your gutters are don’t have any weak spots. This will help make sure they don’t collapse during inclement weather.
Insulate Your Attic
Your attic is directly beneath your roof, which means that the layers of sleet and snow that can pile up upon it can easily seep into your home. If you insulate your roof, you can add an extra element of protection to your house, shielding you from the cold weather. Not only will you be more comfortable, but it’ll also help lower your energy costs, too!
Examine Your Shingles
Many homes here in Alabama have shingle roofs, and we here at U.S. Shingle are proud to have installed many of them! However, over time, shingles can start to get damaged. Before winter is on us, you need to inspect your home’s shingles to verify that they’re intact. Damaged shingles can let the cold and unwanted moisture in, leading to mold problems in your house. If you find any, they’ll need to be replaced right away.
Reinforce Your Roof
If you really want to guard your home against the destructive effects of winter weather, then you really can’t go wrong with investing in a metal roof. Metal roofs are highly durable and are built to last for years, allowing you to be confident that your home is going to be protected from the elements while you’re living beneath it. They’re also very attractive, which means that you’ll feel proud knowing that you have an amazing, solid metal roof over your head.
It’s best to not wait until after the first winter storm to start worrying about your roof. To learn more about our roofing services, or to schedule an appointment with us to help you get your home winter ready, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us today!