Roof Maintenance Tips to Help Homeowners Prep for Winter

Media: FamilyHandyman
Link: Roof Maintenance Tips to Help Homeowners Prep for Winter

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When it comes to winterizing your home, forgetting to prepare your roof for cold winter weather can be a costly oversight.

One of the most important steps when winterizing a home is making sure the roof is ready for harsh winter conditions. Performing routine roof maintenance tasks before winter sets in can help your home stay warm and comfortable as well as prevent expensive repairs caused by ice dams and leaking. Read on for nine key maintenance tasks to prepare your roof for winter.

Repair Damaged Flashing
Repair Damaged Shingles
Replace Old Caulking
Get Your Roof Rake Ready
Trim the Trees
Add a Heat Cable
Improve Attic Ventilation
Add or Upgrade Insulation
Clean Gutters and Downspouts

1. Repair Damaged Flashing

Roof flashing is sometimes overlooked, but it’s a vitally important component of a well-maintained roof. “Roof flashing protects your home from water damage by diverting water from certain areas of the roof,” Wynn says.

Pay special attention around the chimney and to roof valleys and overhangs, says Joe Palumbo, president of Ice Dam Guys. “Make sure [they are] in good condition and won’t allow leaks,” he says. “Roof valleys and overhangs are two of the most common places for ice dams to form.”

If you are comfortable working on your roof and you take safety precautions, you can repair or replace flashing yourself. Otherwise, hire a roofing pro.