Your roof is the barrier that stands between your family and the cold, unpredictable Florida winter weather, so you want to ensure it keeps your home warm and insulated. Taking a few simple steps to avoid winter roofing problems before the cold weather sets in will help your roof withstand any elements that may affect it, and give you confidence that your home will remain safe and dry in the coming months.
Keep reading for tips to prepare your home and roof for the changing season.
Check the Attic for Signs of Water Damage
We suggest starting from the inside by heading up to your attic, because in many cases, the first signs of a leaky roof can be seen there. Signs of a leak include water spots on the walls, wet roof decking, and puddles of water on the attic floor. If you discover any evidence of water damage in your roofing system, schedule a professional roof inspection so that you can get your roof back into top condition before the colder weather takes over.
Check the Roofline
Your roof lines, or immediate edge of the roof, should be straight. Any signs of dipping, curving, or sagging are signs that you need to investigate. A sagging roofline can be caused by framing issues or by a saturated roof deck.
During the winter season, roofs are often exposed to heavy rain that can stress the roof, worsen sagging, and even lead to a cave-in. A sagging roof isn’t an immediate cause of concern on its own, but if it is accompanied by a leak or other signs of deterioration, repairs may be necessary!
Remove Debris
After you have safely inspected your roofline, you should move into the cleaning phase. It is common for leaves, twigs, and other debris to accumulate on your roof during the fall season, but if that debris is left on your roof all winter, the piles will become waterlogged, leaving your roof susceptible to water damage beneath the soggy mess. You can safely remove the debris with a leaf blower, or with your hands. *You should ALWAYS have a cleaning buddy to help you while you are on your roof. Safety should be your top priority! Do not attempt to climb onto your roof without a proper ladder and someone to help you climb on and off.
Clean Out Your Gutters
Just like the roof, gutters are your main catch-alls for leaves, sticks and other debris. Make sure to clean them out completely in order to prevent clogs, allowing rainwater to drain off your roof properly in the coming months. This is also a good time to inspect your gutter system for any mold, sagging, holes, or shingles that may have fallen off the roof. Without an efficient gutter system, your roof and home’s siding can sustain sufficient damage.
Trim Low Hanging Branches
Winterizing your roof also involves preparing the trees near your home. Trees with low-hanging branches near your roof are a particular threat in the winter season. During a storm, wind, rain and hail can cause branches to snap under the additional weight and land on your roof. Trimming or removing these branches will eliminate the risk of branch related damage all winter long.
If the branches extend over your roof, it may be risky to remove them yourself. In this case, call a professional to help with the job and ensure that you and the roof is safe during the process.
Get Your Roof Professionally Inspected
Roof damage can go from needing a simple repair to requiring a total roof replacement very quickly, so if you have any concerns about your roof, schedule a professional roof inspection. A professional inspection will bring to light any existing problems with your roof that aren’t visible to an untrained eye. If a leak or other issue is identified, scheduling the repairs before winter storms come in full force will ensure that your roof is prepared to handle the coming rain, wind, hail and other unpredictable elements.
If you are ready to have your roof professionally inspected, or have noticed some repairs that may be needed before winter, call our team at Johnson Roofing Solutions in Northwest Florida. Johnson Roofing Solutions team provides free estimates AND financing to homes and businesses across the panhandle of Florida. We have offices in Panama City, Chipley and Graceville with our service area expanding from Tallahassee to Pensacola. We are fully licensed and insured, family owned and operated and prepared to take on any roofing project from minor repairs to complete replacements or even new construction. Contact us today and let us be your solution!
