A winterization checklist for roof and gutters

Atlanta-area residents have already had a chilly winter, especially the uncommonly cold weather brought on by the polar vortex in January. That has left homeowners from Cherokee to Rockdale double-checking their preparations for cold weather. Following the deep freeze, many in the area realized they had not put their roof and gutters in order for the coldest months. Here is a winterization checklist to make sure you aren’t caught by surprise the next time a cold front swoops through the area.

• Clear the gutters. Over the course of every season, you’ll see leaves, tree branches, dirt and other types of debris landing in your roof’s gutters. It requires manual removal to get your gutters flowing properly. Once gutters are fully cleared of debris, run water down them to see that they are working properly. Excess buildup can lead to heavy damage when snow and ice hit your roof.
• Repair broken shingles. If you have missing or broken shingles, the chances of your roof springing a leak increase dramatically. Have a professional roofer check your home to repair any trouble spots. They may find smaller holes they’ll replace with roof cement. Fixes of this nature will save you from the expensive, stressful situation of a roof leak in midwinter.
• Inspect roof flashing. As with shingles, your roof’s flashing will incur damage from regular wear and particularly brutal storms. Have a roofer walk through and inspect the flashing’s condition to minimize the risk of leaks, which always involve costly repairs and make your home less comfortable.
• Fully insulate your attic. No winterization checklist is complete without a check on your attic’s insulation. In fact, this item pays for itself almost automatically. Adding insulation means your home will retain the heat coming from your HVAC system and will prevent temperatures from sinking too low on your roof. The higher the temperature of your roof, the less likely roofing materials will freeze and crack.
• Prep for long-term issues. Even though it may not be an immediate concern, the appearance of mold on your roof indicates that long-term problems lie ahead. Excessive moisture will weaken the roof’s structure and slowly break down shingles. Mold can also seep into your home and cause respiratory problems for family members. Address this problem before storms increase the moisture levels.

Simple winterization practices help prepare you for what may be a devastating winter in Georgia. Contact Findlay Roofing to make sure you have nothing to fear about your roof’s condition.

Photo source: morgueFile