Although certain regions of North Carolina and South Carolina remain temperate all year long, many parts of these states experience their share of winter weather! If you reside in one of these regions, understanding how to winterize your home’s roof is essential properly. The more you know about preparing your roof for the coldest season of the year, the less likely you are to have to pay for costly repairs when spring arrives. As you read the remainder of this guide, you will discover some great tips for getting your roof winter-ready no matter where in the Carolinas you reside.
- Inspect the roof – Every year in the fall, it’s a good idea to perform a visual inspection of your roof. If you notice anything amiss, such as loose or missing shingles, bent gutters, or cracked roofing tiles, take photos, so you don’t forget where the issues are. Then, contact a reputable Carolina roofing contractor to give you a quote for the necessary repairs. If you don’t feel comfortable inspecting your roof yourself, don’t hesitate to contact an expert to do the job for you.
- Make sure your gutters have been cleaned – In areas of the Carolinas where the weather turns cold, fall and winter are the two roughest seasons for gutter systems. In Autumn, gutters, and downspouts often become clogged with leaves and other debris that need to be removed if they are to function properly in the winter. Although it is certainly possible to clean your home’s gutters yourself, the best course of action is to have a professional gutter cleaning service visit your residence. The crew will be trained to look for potential issues, such as sagging gutter troughs and small cracks, that you might overlook as a layperson.
- Get your trees and shrubs trimmed – During the winter months, ice and snow often collect on tree branches. While this can be beautiful to look at, it can also lead to roof damage. The extra weight of the ice and snow can cause branches to collapse. If they are too close to your home’s roof, these fallen limbs can do serious harm. Therefore, it is smart to have all of the trees and shrubs near your house trimmed before the winter season arrives.
- Consider how old your roof is – Older roofs are more likely to have problems than newly installed ones. Every roofing material has a shelf life. If it has been a couple of decades since the roof on your home was replaced, you should consider investing in a total replacement prior to winter. A new roof will lead to increased energy efficiency and a decreased likelihood of water damage as ice and snowmelt.
If you are concerned that your roof hasn’t been properly winterized, you are not alone! Many homeowners don’t realize just how important this process is. The team at Hatch Homes would love to work with you to make sure your Carolina property is all set for cold weather. To schedule a time to meet with someone on our skilled team, just give our office a call. We take great pride in helping families throughout North Carolina, and South Carolina make their homes the best that they can be.