Your roof is an essential part of your home that keeps you comfortable and safe. It also represents about 40% of the visual exterior of the house, and therefore, plays a principal role in the overall aesthetics.

However, your roofing is susceptible to damage, especially during the cold season. Here are some top tips to winterize your roof before winter.

In the fall, there are lots of leaves that will often find their way to the gutter. Another problem is an insect infestation that can cause obstructions. Bees, bats, and wasps can build nests or create clogging on your roof.

You ought to clear the debris from the gutters and downspouts to prevent damage to your roofing. Otherwise, water can back up and may impact the underlying materials. You can use gutter guards to reduce the work of clearing the debris every fall.

The trees in your yard not only contribute to debris that blocks the gutter, but the branches can fall on your roof. The snowfall in parts of Tennessee can increase the weight exerted on the branches. Eventually, they can fall and damage the roofing. So, it is always wise to trim the tree before the winter season.

You can protect your roof in winter by ensuring the attic has the appropriate insulation for the climate. Insulation reduces heat loss, in effect keeping your home energy-efficient. It also prevents the formation of ice dams by keeping the shingles cool.

The insulation you have in your attic should match your region’s R-value. The R-value indicates the material’s ability to resist heat loss. A roofing service can assist you in evaluating the insulation in your attic. In Tennessee, the R-value is 49.

Before winter, you should always check the condition of the flashing. It is a metal strip covering the joints of certain features on your house, such as chimneys, vents, and skylights. They help to direct the water from critical parts of the roof. Remember, any part of the roof that allows water to sip in not only compromises the roof but also the house in general.

You also need to pay attention to signs of roofing problems that may manifest in your home’s interior. For example, signs of a wet ceiling often point to chronic issues necessitating a quality roofing service to address. You must fix these problems before winter causes further damage.

A professional service is in the best position to inspect your roofing and fix the issues before the cold season begins. They can check the shingles and flashing for damage. Roofers have tools to evaluate parts of the roof, such as the valleys and the sealant on the vents. They also have the necessary safety to ascend and descend from the roof as such tasks may be too dangerous for homeowners to attempt.

You need to organize for a professional service to inspect your home before it starts to snow. Water can cause extensive damage to your roof during winter. By hiring a roofing company for inspections, you can cut down expenses you’d have used for repairs in the future. They can also advise on whether you need to change the roof or simple repairs will suffice.

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