The last thing you want to think about is how to keep your roof in good condition.
But if you live in Michigan, it’s important to maintain your roof year-round—the winter months are no exception.
There are several things you can do to protect your home and prevent future problems with your roof during cold-weather months.
Inspect your roof.
Winter is the best time to inspect your roof for any damage.
Perform a thorough inspection and look for:
- Missing shingles and loose nails. These can be a sign of water damage or other issues, so replace them as soon as possible.
- Shingles that are curling up at the edges. This is referred to as “barking,” and it’s caused by ice buildup under the shingle when snow melts during spring thaw or heavy rains (and then refreezes). If this happens, you’ll need to remove those damaged pieces before they cause further problems in future winters!
Replace the ice and water shield.
Ice and water shield is a layer of protection between your roof and the shingles. It helps prevent leaks by preventing moisture from penetrating into your home’s structure.
Ice/water shield should be replaced every few years, or whenever it has been damaged by hail or high winds.
If you have any questions about ice/water shields or any other aspect of winter roofing maintenance in Michigan, please contact us today!
Trim Those Trees
The winter months can be hard on trees. Trees are not only exposed to the elements, but they are also under a lot of stress.
The combination can be very damaging to your roof if you don’t take the necessary precautions.
There are several different types of trees that should be trimmed in the fall or during the winter season.
These include:
• Maple Trees: Maple trees make great shade trees, but they also tend to drop their leaves in the fall. This leaves them susceptible to damage from wind and ice storms.
• Oak Trees: Oaks have very large leaves that tend to get caught up in storms and cause damage to roofs or gutters. They also create a lot of shade that makes it hard for snow removal crews to clear off roofs after storms hit our state.
• Birch Trees: Birch trees have thin branches that are easy for birds or squirrels to perch on and make nests during their breeding season. These nests can cause damage over time if left alone, which is why it is important for homeowners with birch trees on their property to keep them trimmed back every year so they don’t become an issue.
Replace missing or broken shingles.
The first step in winter roofing maintenance is to check the roof for missing or broken shingles.
If you find any, replace them immediately.
It’s also important to repair any damaged areas of your roof before winter arrives.
This will help prevent further damage from occurring during the cold weather months and can save you from having to replace more than one part of your roof at a time in the springtime when it will be much harder for contractors to work outside due to rain, snow and other inclement weather conditions.
Seal around penetrations (vents, chimneys, skylights).
Sealing around penetrations (vents, chimneys, skylights) is an important winter maintenance task.
If you don’t seal these areas, moisture can seep into your home and cause damage to the drywall or insulation behind it.
To seal around penetrations:
- Paint a 1/8-inch thick bead of high-quality silicone caulk around the perimeter of each vent pipe and other penetration at least once per year.* Apply two coats of paint or stain over bare wood surfaces that are exposed to the weather.* Replace loose shingles immediately after noticing them missing or damaged
Clean debris from gutters and downspouts.
Winter is the perfect time to clean out your gutters and downspouts.
If you don’t keep up with this maintenance, you’re likely to have clogs that can cause water damage inside your home.
- Remove leaves, pine needles and other debris from gutters.
- Make sure downspouts are clear of debris so they can drain properly into the storm sewer or soak away pit (if there is one).
- Clean out the gutter and downspout to prevent clogs caused by the buildup of leaves, pine needles or dirt that’s been washed onto them over time
Takeaway:
- Make sure to clean gutters and downspouts.
- Use a leaf blower to remove leaves from the roof.
- Use a ladder to clean gutters and downspouts, if necessary.
- Use a water hose to clean gutters and downspouts, if necessary
Conclusion
Michigan’s harsh winters can take a toll on your roof, so it’s important to keep up with the maintenance. I
f you have any questions or concerns about your roof, contact us today!