Protecting Your Roof and Your Home

The holiday season is upon us, which means colder weather and a greater chance of ice and snow. As a homeowner, you must prepare your roof for the upcoming winter season before freezing temperatures and snowfall set in. Here are some tips from our Delaware roofing professionals on how to winter-proof your roof to prepare it for the winter weather:

Inspect Your Roof for Damage

Get on a ladder and inspect your roof at least twice a year, in the spring and fall. Look for any cracked, missing, or curling shingles. If you see any damage, repair it as soon as possible. You should also check for moss or mold growth, which can cause further damage. If you spot any moss or mold, use a power washer to remove it. Be sure to inspect your gutters while you're up there. Make sure they're free of debris and that they're correctly attached to your roof. If you don't feel comfortable doing this yourself, you can hire a roofing professional to do it for you.

Clear Your Roof of Debris

Leaves, branches, sticks, and other debris should be removed from your roof before the winter season sets in. This will help reduce the risk of moisture buildup. You can use a leaf blower or rake to remove debris from your roof manually, but be careful not to harm your shingles.

Ice and Snow Removal

Snow and ice buildup can cause significant damage to your roof, so you should prepare for it before winter weather hits. Have an ice and snow removal plan in place before the first snowfall, such as installing a heated cable system or having someone available to come by your house and shovel off the roof after large storms.

Prevent Frozen Gutters

Frozen gutters can cause water to back up water flow on your roof and eventually leak into your home. To help prevent this, make sure your gutters are free of debris and securely attached to the roofline. You can also install heat cables along the gutter line to help keep it from freezing.

Insulate Your Home

Make sure your attic is properly insulated. This will help keep your house warm and lower your energy bills in the long run. It will also reduce the risk of ice dams. An ice dam is formed when warm air from inside your home rises up into the attic and melts the snow on the roof. The melted water then refreezes at the edge of your roof and forms a dam that blocks more melting snow from draining off. These ice dams can cause significant water damage. A properly insulated attic can prevent ice dams from ever forming.

Trim Any Low-Hanging Branches

Low-hanging branches can collect snow and ice, which could eventually become too heavy for your roof to handle. If they become too heavy, they could break off and cause serious harm to your roof. Trim back any low-hanging branches near your roof before the winter season starts.

Winterize Your Roof Now!

The best way to prepare for winter weather is to get started now! Inspecting, clearing debris, removing ice or snow buildup, and insulating your home are all important steps that should be taken before winter sets in. By taking the time to prepare your roof for winter weather, you can help ensure that it stays safe and protected all season long.

At DNA Roofing and Siding, our team of roofing professionals can help you prepare your roof for winter weather. Contact us today and let us know how we can help you. Call (302) 548-3299 or visit us online to get started.