How to Prevent Roof Leaks This Winter
Rain, sleet, snow, and hail: you can expect all of these things to some degree in winter. But even if you manage to stay out of each storm this season, your roof is bound to take a beating. It’s easy for roof leaks to appear this season, and that could cause problems for the whole house. Not only does it weaken the surface of the roof, but leaky roofs can lead to moldy attics, electrical problems, and damage to the structural integrity of the house.
While it’s impossible to account for every storm, winter is a challenge that’s existed since the invention of roofs and there are ways to protect your home. Here are some trusted ways to prevent roof leaks this winter.
Clean the Gutters
In winter more than any other season, your roof’s gutters are essential to handle all the run-off of precipitation. Keep your gutters clean and clear so that they can direct any water that reaches the roof off to the side of the house. If you notice cracks in the gutter, seal them or have them replaced to be on the safe side. If the gutters are clogged or broken, the water will pool on the roof, eventually seeping through into the attic. It won’t be long before that leak reaches someone’s bedroom.
Insulate the Attic
A common causes of roof leaks in winter is ice dams. During winter, even in Keller, Texas, there are plenty of opportunities for snow to gather on the roof. If the hot air from the inside of the house leaks out, warming the roof, the bottom layer of snow can melt and form an ice dam on the roof. With the melted ice trapped beneath the still frozen ice, it often has nothing to do but wear the roof down and seep through. By the end of the season, you may not only have roof leaks but a significantly weakened roof which could become rotted.
The best protection against an ice dam is a well insulated attic. If the attic holds the home’s heat inside, the roof will stay cold in winter so ice dams won’t have the opportunity to form or cause major damage to your roof.
Have a Roof Inspection
This is a great time to call a roofing contractor and make sure your roof is in tip-top shape for the months to come. There may be things that you notice yourself–curled roof shingles or a patch of discoloration on the roof. However, a professional roofing contractor can spot things that you might not notice on your own. If your roof is in need of repairs, it’s a good idea to have those taken care of right away. A good roofing contractor can make sure that the repairs are made as efficiently and comfortably for everyone who lives in the home as possible.
A leaky roof can be a winter nightmare, so make sure you take every precaution. When hiring a professional to help protect your home this season, choose someone with over 15 years of experience serving Keller, Texas, and a reputation of excellent quality of work. First Texas Roofing can help with any repairs you need before the biggest storms of the year hit. We can even help you replace your roof if necessary. We want your home to stay warm and dry this season, from the attic to the basement. Call us today at (817) 821-0323 to schedule a roof inspection.