While it’s been progressively colder and colder in recent weeks, sometimes winter weather can catch you off guard – even in New England. It’s important to make sure your home is prepared for heavy snow and cold so you don’t experience damage. From burst pipes to leaking roofs, costs for repairs of this magnitude add up fast, so start prepping your roof for the colder months now.

Here are some ways you can winterize your roof. While some you can tackle yourself, others require the assistance of a professional.

Reinforce Your Roof to Prevent Ice Dams

Ice dams form when water builds up behind an ice blockage, causing damage to ceilings and roofs by allowing melting snow to leak inside your home. To prevent them from forming in the first place, it’s necessary to keep the entire roof at the same temperature as the eaves. You can achieve this in many ways, from increasing ventilation to adding insulation to sealing off possible air leaks.

Check the Attic for Proper Insulation

Take a quick check of the ceilings and walls in your attic. If you see any condensation, staining or dripping, leaks could be occurring. Next, check your insulation and make sure there is enough. Is it in place or in disarray and missing in spots? You could enjoy a 20 percent decrease in your energy bill with quality, properly-fitted insulation, says US News and World Report.  You’ll also want to inspect the vents and rafters for the right insulation.

When your roof is poorly insulated, water leaks can happen and weaken the roof. On top of that, heat will leave the interior of the home more easily, so you end up paying way more in energy bills than you should.

Check the Ventilation in Your Bathroom

Check your bathroom fans and make sure the ventilation system is working properly. When moist air accumulates from showers, it can damage your roof, so clear out any debris that may have built up. Check all vents, including ones located near your roof’s gables and ridges. Unclog soffit vents to prevent restricted air flow.

Unclog Your Gutters

Using a stabilized ladder, scoop out any debris that is clogging your gutters so water can run through freely. Clogs can cause water to back up and freeze. Make sure the connections securing your gutter system to your home are stable and tight and that the downspouts are pointing away from your property. Check the gutters themselves for signs of rust, holes or tears.

Perform a Visual Inspection of the Roof

From the ground, use binoculars to visually inspect the condition of the shingles, as well as flashing around chimneys and vents. Notice flashing that may be rusting or deteriorating from the seams, and keep an eye out for the build-up of mold and mildew on the roof. See if you can detect missing shingles, holes or tears.

Get in Touch with Hi-Tech Windows & Siding

For a complete roof inspection, call the professionals at Hi-Tech Windows & Siding toll free at 800-851-0900. We can schedule your inspection before winter hits for peace of mind.