In Indiana, the summers are often long and warm. However, winters can be long too – and be extremely cold and windy. Despite yearly weather forecasts, people never really know what winter will have in store for them and their homes. It’s best to be prepared at all times! People often stock up on snow shovels and other yard equipment in the winter, but they should also consider the current condition of their roof before it gets too cold. Everyone must make sure they’re ready for potentially damaging winter weather.
Dangerous icicles hanging in a building house roof
In order to best prepare their homes and roofs for winter, it’s a smart idea to consider the following advice!
1. Clean the gutters
It’s always best to have gutters cleaned regularly. Many Indianapolis homeowners opt to have two cleaning cycles before the winter—once in the fall and again in early December. These are usually optimal times to clean the gutters because it’s not too cold, yet many leaves have already fallen.
Cleaning the gutters regularly will help make sure that leaves don’t end up clogging downspouts. Keeping gutters clean during this time of the year prevents many roofing issues that can occur when the first snow hits the ground.
2. Remove all debris from the roof
No matter how insignificant they may seem, any types of debris must be removed from your roof. Debris, regardless of its size, can hold moisture throughout winter precipitation. When wet, it can grow mold that eventually rots and breaks down strong roofing material. For this reason, it’s important to climb up to the roof and sweep that debris away. Pro-Quality is always happy to help with that as well!
3. Ensure the attic is properly ventilated and insulated
Many do not know how to evaluate the condition of their attic’s ventilation and insulation properties. For those who are completely unsure, it’s best to hire a professional to get the job done. Proper ventilation is crucial for when cold air needs to escape the attic, and proper insulation is essential to seal in warmth. When these conditions are not met, ice damming can occur. Ice damming can tear off gutters, loosen roof shingles, and cause excess water to collect inside the house.
4. Trim the surrounding trees
During the winter, the branches of trees can fall due to the heavy snow and ice. Even the strongest roofs will likely take a beating from this. It’s key to trim hazardous tree branches so there is no chance for branches to fall on the roof. Tree pruning and trimming may be tricky and may require professional help. For those worried about correctly trimming tree branches, be sure to hire a professional. We are here to care for homes in the Indianapolis area!
5. Get a roof rake
For those who are determined to prevent heavy snow build-up, it’s a good idea to buy a roof rake. Keep in mind that most roofs can only support up to four feet of fresh snow and two feet of compacted snow. Indiana homeowners can brush off snow easily with a roof rake. They can ensure that their roofs withstand winter’s worst.
Make your roof winter-ready
Winters in Indiana can be harsh – they not only make work commutes worse but can also extremely damage important home fixtures. A roof is the first line of defense for most homes! Make sure it can withstand the weather and all other outdoor elements. Take the time to clean and scan a roof’s condition before it snows. It’s always better to be prepared – because roofs can cave in under heavy snow. There’s nothing worse than dealing with roof damage in freezing temperatures.
Is your home ready for winter?
Through the advice shared in this article, we hope locals can prepare their roofs for the winter season. Ensure coziness, safety, and peace of mind this winter season. Homeowners can make their roofs ready for the winter season by hiring a roofing contractor to inspect it. A professional can do necessary repairs and help build preventative measures to make sure a roof stays in its best shape for winter.
Pro Quality Contractors is one of the best local Indianapolis contractors in the greater area. We help tackle minor roofing issues early on so that costly damages are mitigated. Get in touch with us today for a free inspection and estimate!
