Are You Winter Ready? Essential Tips to Protect Your Roof From Ice and Snow

Cold winter weather is coming, and many Americans in the Southeast are bracing for ice and snow. While most are likely thinking about food, emergency supplies and planning how to stay warm, most homeowners overlook a key snow prep step: examining the health of your roof.

Excessive accumulation of snow and ice on a roof can cause concerns such as sagging, leaks and even collapse. However, by taking preventative measures, you can help mitigate the impact winter weather can have. That’s why we’ve put together tips for minimizing roof damage caused by winter storms.

Trim Overhanging Tree Limbs

During winter weather, overhanging tree limbs have to bear the added weight of ice and snow, making them more likely to crack under pressure – literally. If you see any loose or overhanging tree limbs around your house, make sure to have them removed to avoid them falling on your roof and causing damage to your home.

Clean Your Gutters

Clogged gutters can wreak more havoc on your home than you might think, causing rusted drainpipes, water leaks into your basement or through your foundation and even damage to your roof. To avoid this, check quickly before any expected weather events to remove any ice or debris.

Sweep Your Roof

Accumulated snow isn’t good for your roof. The weight of snow can cause weak spots in your roof and create ice dams as it melts. The constant melting and refreezing can allow water to get into cracks and expand, creating costly leaks.

As soon as it’s safe for you, it’s always a good idea to clear your roof of any snowfall after a storm. Make sure to take the right safety precautions and, if you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, contact a professional.

Conduct a Sight Check

Though professionals can often spot more damage than homeowners, a quick visual check of your roof before a bad storm might still expose missing or damaged shingles that need to be repaired. If you notice this type of damage and time allows, have a local roofer come out to perform a professional inspection and potentially provide repairs before a storm.

Don’t Underestimate Wind

Oftentimes, winter weather events bring high winds. The sight check listed above will help prepare for wind, but we recommend inspecting parts of the roof under your attic as well. Wear gloves, protective clothing and toe-covered shoes as you enter the space. Your roof sheathing, often plywood, may not be properly secured to your roof trusses. If not, consider strengthening the structure with nails. While you are there, check to see if you have truss bracing and horizontal wooden beams that run the length of your roof. If not, consider having a professional install them, as they will serve as horizontal support during high-wind events.

After the Storm

Even the best laid plans can sometimes result in unexpected and unwanted roof damage. If you believe your roof was affected by the winter weather, don’t try to fix it yourself. DIY roof repairs can often lead to more, not less, roof damage and will cost more in the long run. Instead, contact your local RAFTRx roofing specialists to schedule a free inspection.

We hope our recommendations above will give homeowners peace of mind and the opportunity to enjoy a rare winter weather event in the Southeast.