No one wants to think about winter and snow and ice and cold in September, but when it comes to taking care of your home, it is better to be safe than sorry. From heavy snow to wild Minnesota blizzards, to ice dam formations, winter weather can ruthlessly cause all sorts of damage to your property. Here are the top 5 roofing projects to do in the fall to prepare for winterization…
1. Gutters
If your gutters are clogged this can lead to snow pooling and freezing up and blocking proper drainage. Sometimes gutters can become so heavy they break and fall off the sides of your home. Clearing out leaves, sticks, and even nests (bees, bats, wasps) can prevent the possibility of this happening. After your gutters are cleared of all debris, make sure to rinse them out with your garden hose so they’re extra clean. Your gutters already have to endure so much in the crazy Minnesota snow, rain, and ice– this project will help ensure gutter functionality going into the winter season.
2. Check for Loose or Damaged Shingles
Conducting a thorough visual lookover of your roof can help prevent any unfortunate surprises come wintertime. Loose, cracked, and damaged shingles can act as a wide-open front door for melting snow and ice to sneak their way into your home.
Other signs that may indicate a compromised roof:
- Cracked, curling, or missing shingles
- An abundance of loose granules in your yard or gutters
- Discolored shingles (this can mean moss, mold, and/or algae)
- Sagging on the edges or parts of the center of your roof
If you see any of these signs or suspect there may be deeper damage, give us a call at CoMitted 365 for a professional roof inspection so you can be certain you’ve got all your bases covered.
3. Clear sticks, branches, & debris
If branches and leaves accumulate on your roof, they can create build-up and blockages for snow and ice to pile up. The weight of snow and ice on overhanging branches can cause heavy limbs to snap and crash onto your roof. Preemptively clearing away any loose sticks, debris, and trimming overhanging branches from your roof can make for smooth sailing come snowfall.
4. Check for interior leaks or damage
Taking a peek at the underside of your roof is another step you can take to prepare your home for the winter season. More specifically, you should check for any interior leaks or damage. Signs of wetness or mold could be indicators of bigger issues with the integrity of your roof. Although rare, slight sagging patches in your ceiling can be a sign of a leaky roof or even termites and old age. 
You also should check the insulation in your attic. For most homes, there should be 12 inches of insulation in the attic. Any thin spaces, holes, or cracks in the insulation will allow heat to escape, and could even result in ice dams on your roof.
As with the signs of exterior damage, if you even suspect you see clues of a compromised roof from inside your home, it’s a good idea to bring in professional eyes and hands to check it out, too.
5. Get an inspection if you need one
While you can take these precautions on your own, a professional roof inspection means a thorough, experienced, and efficient examination of your property. Hiring a contractor to conduct a professional inspection also ensures your safety– attempting to climb your roof and DIY roofing projects without proper safety precautions can be very dangerous.
When it comes to the integrity of your home, it is always better to be safe than sorry. If you check off the first four projects on this list and find you’re suspecting you have roof damage it’s a good idea to call in a professional contractor. With a routine inspection, they will be able to tell you whether or not you need work done on your roof and prescribe exactly what needs to happen to fix the problem.
As always, we at CoMitted 365 are here to help with your roofing needs. Whether you need a roof inspection, repair, or replacement, we want to help prepare your home for a safe, and hassle-free winter season.