Why You Need a Roof Inspection This Winter
Is your home ready for winter?
Winter is a tough time of year for your roof. Constant rain, sleet, and snow can take its toll on the surface, damage the shingles, and cause leaks. If ice builds up on the roof, it can be not only damaging but dangerous. Drainage and ventilation issues abound in winter. Even in Texas, where the average snowfall is about one inch each year, it’s still important that your roof be in good shape to weather the elements. Talk to a local roofer about an inspection early this winter so they can tell you what problem areas you may have and how to fix them.
Drainage
In winter, it’s more important than ever that your storm drain be clean and undamaged. After autumn, your storm drain may be cluttered with damp fallen leaves and branches. These can be easy enough to clear out, but the season might have left other marks on the gutters–like scratches and leaks. If your roof’s drainage system is damaged it won’t be able to properly run all the precipitation from the coming winter off to the side of the home. You could have problems with leaks and standing water on your roof, which in winter could turn into ice. Even if you’ve cleaned your gutters out yourself, have a roofer look them over in a roof inspection to be safe.
Ventilation
In summer, your roof’s vent circulates air through the attic to keep the home from overheating. In winter, when the point is to keep hot air in and cold air out, the roof vent may seem low on your list of priorities. In fact, some homeowners even believe they should cover their roof vent during the winter. However, most roofers wouldn’t advise it. In winter, the attic can become moist and susceptible to mold. Your roof vent protects it by circulating fresh air through the attic. The attic may be cold, but if it’s well-insulated, the rest of your home won’t suffer the effects.
Because the roof vent is still important in winter, it’s just as important as the drainage system that it be in working order. A roofer can look over the vent, clear it of anything that might be blocking its rotation, and replace it if need be before winter comes.
Insulation
During winter, does your home hold its heat or is much of that heat escaping through the roof? Insulation is key during the colder months, and your roof’s materials make a big difference. A well-insulated metal roof, for instance, is popular in colder climates than we have in TX for its durability and tight coverage. A professional roofer can tell you how well your current roof will keep your home warm and comfortable as the temperatures drop, as well as what materials might do the job better.
Storm Damage
Whether a tree falls on your roof or a late season hurricane comes our way, some things are simply unexpected. Even the most experienced roofer can’t prepare your roof for everything, but an expert knows that roofs are often faced with the unexpected. During a roof inspection, a roofer will spot weak spots on your roof, whether dried out or softened from water damage. These problem areas will need to be fixed as soon as possible. A roofer can tell you, too, if your roof needs to be replaced before it gets too cold. Finding these problems now could save you thousands in damage from accidents as the storms come later in the season. (PS: If you have roof damage, contact us. We also offer roof repairs)
Plans to Sell
Spring is a popular time to sell your home if you’re planning to move. You may already have plans to put your house on the market once the temperatures start to rise again, in which case it’s more important than ever that your roof be in tip-top shape. If winter brings leaks or a weakened roof surface to your home, finding buyers who want to move in will be a challenge. When you schedule a roof inspection, tell your roofer that you plan to sell the house soon. They’ll tell you everything you need to make sure that your home is ready to impress the next owners.
December may be fast approaching, but it’s not too late to schedule your winter roof inspection. In fact, scheduling your roofing inspection for the end of the year can help you go into the next year confident that you’re prepared for whatever it throws your way, especially with the help of an expert roofer. First Texas Roofing has over 15 years of experience in the area providing fair prices and quality roof repair and replacement. Call us today at (817) 821-0323 or contact us online for a free quote and to schedule a roof inspection.