Imagine being awakened in the middle of the night by a crash and then a gust of wind. You walk into the living room and discover that it’s snowing right inside your house. Not a great way to start your day, right? 

Well, if you aren’t careful about maintaining your roof, this could be a reality. A part of that is making sure that your roof is ready for the winter months. Winter weather can do severe damage to your roof, including issues such as:

• Ice dams
• Gutter damage 
• Downspout damage 
• Roof leaks

But don’t fret, you can take some preventative measures. One of those is making sure that you’re keeping up with routine maintenance on your roof.

Check and Repair Roof Damage

Whether you are at home or managing another property, like your salon or office, there are some simple steps that you can take to avoid winter roof damage. 

One of the most effective strategies is autumn maintenance, including doing routine inspections on your roof and keeping it clean. Let’s start by getting into what to look for when you inspect your roof. 

You can start on the ground. Look up and see if there are any loose shingles, missing fasteners, or any roof damage that you can see from that perspective. It’s recommended that you do this at least twice a year and preferably in the spring and fall. Keep an eye out for any deteriorating sections; not handling those areas can lead to costly roof damage, namely water and mold damage. 

If you do locate any damages, it’s best to contact a professional immediately before you’re caught off guard by winter. We can have professionals who are highly skilled and ready to:

• Repair damaged shingles
• Repair damaged flashing
• Repair old caulking
• Repair roof leaks 

Engaging in simple tasks like inspecting your roof from the ground can make a noticeable difference in the impact winter roof damage has on your roof. A well-maintained and sturdy winter roof will keep your home cozy and comfortable as the winter chill rolls in. 

Clean Gutters and Downspouts 

Cleaning your gutter is another small but important task you can tackle to take care of your roof. When you clean your roof, pay close attention to:

• Twigs
• Leaves
• Dirt
• Pine needles
• Moss from shingles

This debris can cause blockages that keep rain and snow from draining properly, which can lead to additional roof damage. Nearby trees may also be a nuisance. Check the area surrounding your roof for any dead trees, heavy limbs and branches, and trees that may be too close to the roof. 

Tree limbs falling onto the roof can cause costly winter roof damage. Those trees also often house squirrels and raccoons that enter your home through journeying from the roof to the attic. In addition to checking the area around your roof, ensure that you have the right tools for caring for your winter roof once the snow falls. 

For example, be sure that you have a winter roof rake to remove excess snow from your roof when appropriate. Keeping your roof free from excess snow will reduce the chances of water damage to your roof.

Improve Attic Ventilation and Insulation

Ice dams (icy areas at the edge of the winter roof) keep melting snow from falling from the roof and can cause severe water damage in your home. Luckily, ensuring that you have proper attic ventilation can prevent ice dams that can lead to winter roof damage. How do you do that? 

Well, you can take out the insulation that might be blocking vents and even add more roof vents. Inspection can be useful in this situation as well. Be sure that your attic has a ventilation system that lets air circulate freely and preferably that you have good, evenly distributed insulation. Of course, before you repair your insulation, make sure that you repair any roof damage-causing leaks. 

Once you do that, you can then be mindful of any wet or damaged areas in your attic’s insulation that may result in mold growth and expensive heating bills in the winter. In addition to looking for damaged areas, look for missing insulation as well. If you find any damaged or missing sections that can contribute to ice dam formation, it may be best to contact professional roof repair services because this kind of work requires a high skill level. 

If you neglect your roof it may, unfortunately, lead to winter roof damage. This kind of damage could turn minor problems into major issues. Luckily, working with skilled roofing professionals can assist you with getting your roof in excellent shape before the winter chill rolls in. Call 416-789-0601 today!

Contact Dominion Roofing For Your Roofing Needs

Insulation repair isn’t the only reason to reach out to a professional. If you’re dealing with any of the damages we’ve discussed, or have any other roof maintenance needs, reach out to a professional roof repair service. We can also check your roof and make sure that it is in the right condition to handle heavy snowfall weight. 

From roof repair to re-roofs, Dominion Roofing has you covered. We offer a variety of residential and commercial roofing services in Toronto. Our services go beyond basic roofing diagnostics and roof repair. Our highly-skilled and supremely talented roofing contractors in Toronto are ready for roofing projects, large and small, including complete re-roofing or a brand new construction project. Contact Dominion Roofing now at 416-789-0601 today!

PRO TIP:

The roof is there to keep your home secure and to protect from the elements. So keeping it clean, getting rid of debris, and doing regular roof maintenance will save you a lot of trouble in the future.

Tips to Prepare Your Roof for Winter FAQs

How do I keep ice from building on my roof during winter?

Check for damaged and missing areas on your roof and in your home’s insulation. If you need professional help, please give us a call. We’re here for you!

What time of year is best to replace or restore a roof?

Although it’s been argued that spring is the best time to get your roof restored or replaced, honestly, whenever you are ready to call us, we are prepared to serve you.

Can roof repair be done while raining or snowing? 

Although it is not ideal, it is possible. Dominion Roofing is here for you, rain or shine!

What are the best tools to use in cleaning gutters?

Here is a list of gutter cleaning tools that you can use to remove dirt build-up in gutters: Gutter Cleaning Applicator, Gutter Vacuum Accessories, Gutter Cleaning “Tongs,” Gutter Flusher and Cleaner, and Rotary Gutter Cleaning System. All of these are effective in removing dirt in gutters. You just have to choose which suits your case the most.

Do I need to cover roof vents during the winter?

No, you don’t need to. Roof vents are used to let air travel through your attic and exit your house. Covering the roof vents during winter is unnecessary since it doesn’t damage your home or increase energy consumption. Blocking the vents may even do more damage since doing so may trap moisture in the attic.

Should I be wary of leaves and pine straw buildup on my roof?

Yes. Any dirt build-up in roofs may become a source of bigger problems in the future. Cleaning your roof regularly helps prevent roof leaks and damaged gutters and downspouts. Aside from cleaning dried leaves and pine straw, you should also remove branches or any other material that may clog your gutters.