People who live in Atascadero might believe that they don’t have to do much to take care of their roofs during the winter, but this isn’t true. The average low temperatures in December and January are in the low 30s, and the precipitation ranges from between 5 and around 7 inches a month. Combined with freezing temperatures, precipitation can mean snow, ice, or freezing rain, all of which can stress your roof. With this in mind, here are some winter roof maintenance tips.
Check Gutters and Flashing
Check your gutters to make sure they are firmly attached to your house and are free of debris. Cold temperatures and precipitation can cause ice dams, and these can be so heavy that they can cause your gutters to tear away from your house. If your flashing looks worn, have it repaired as soon as possible. Worn flashing allows precipitation to enter your roof.
Repair Wind Damage
The wind is a major culprit when it comes to winter damage to your roof. If a storm with high winds blows through, make sure you check your roof for signs of damage and have it repaired quickly. You can see this in missing or broken shingles, tiles, or other parts of your roof’s structure. If problems aren’t fixed, they’ll allow leaks into your home and encourage the growth of mold and mildew.
Clear the Roof of Debris
Make sure that fallen leaves, fruit, twigs, and other debris are removed from your roof, especially before a storm comes in. The moisture from a storm can cause debris to rot where it’s fallen, which can damage your roof and lead to leaks. All removal usually takes is a long-handled rake or broom, but if you can’t reach the debris, don’t hesitate to call our roofers.
Make Sure Your Attic Has Good Ventilation and Insulation
An attic with poor ventilation actually risks creating ice dams. Make sure that you have a sufficient amount of insulation in your attic and that it’s in good condition. If not, have some added. It’s also important to make sure that roof vents are unobstructed and in good shape so that air can circulate freely throughout the attic space.
Call Us to Learn How to Care for Your Roof in Winter
Our roofing team is proud to have served our customers in Atascadero and the surrounding area since 2007. We are second to none when it comes to customer satisfaction. Besides giving our customers pointers on maintaining their roofs during the winter, we also provide roof inspection, repair, and replacement services. Give us a call at Ribas Roofing today to set up an appointment.
