Unfortunately, as the temperatures drop, so can your roof. In fact, most roofing problems occur in winter because of heavy snow loads and frozen ice. Roofs with cracked shingles, torn or missing shingles, damaged chimneys, or flashing are a few common signs of a leaky roof that needs to be repaired before the colder months hit. Here's the scoop on what you can do to protect your home from water damage and ensure your roof is not affected by the cold weather:

Fix Leaky Roofing

The first issues that you want to look for are roof leaks that need to be patched. Often, these are minor issues with punctured or torn shingles that can easily be repaired with a patch of roofing cement or just by replacing a shingle. When the roof leaks are caused by other issues, there might be more extensive repairs that need to be done. Therefore, you might want to have an annual roof inspection done before the start of the winter months.

Sagging Roofing and Structural Issues

Structural issues can also affect your roof and make it vulnerable to collapse or other damage when you add snow loads to the equation. Thus, it is important to evaluate the structure of your roof for any issues that need to be addressed. These issues might be due to poor roof bracing and support for the roof loads. A roof repair service can help address these issues and repair any problems that they may have caused to the roofing.

Leaking Skylights and Other Roof Penetrations

There are also issues with penetrations on the roof that can cause leaks and water damage to these roofs. One example of this is skylights, which are notorious for leaking around their seals. Vents and other mechanical penetrations can also be the sources of roof leaks that cause water damage. You want to check these areas for any problems that might affect your home. Replacing the flashing or boots can usually solve these issues. Sometimes, you might also want to seal around the area that is causing problems to ensure the roof leaks don't come back.

Missing, Cracked, and Damaged Shingles

Other issues with shingles include missing or cracked shingles. During the winter months, the cold temperatures cause asphalt shingles to become brittle. This can lead to cracks, shingle tabs breaking off, and other issues that leave your home exposed to leaks and problems. You want to have any visibly damaged shingles replaced to ensure your roof is in good condition for the winter weather ahead.

Getting ready for winter should include an inspection and repairs for your roof. Contact a roof repair service, such as That Good Ole Handyman, for help inspecting and repairing any issues with your roof.  

Share