3 Roof Winterization Tips

When winter hits in Philadelphia, snow and ice inevitably follows. This weather can be detrimental to your home if it is not properly prepared. The most vulnerable area is your roof. Without proper winterization, you could even be dealing with a collapse.

However, roof winterization is not an overly difficult task, for the most part. There are a few elements you need to check and some maintenance to perform before winter sets in. If you are uncomfortable on your roof, as many homeowners are, a contractor from ServiceWhale can perform these tasks on your behalf. Here are 3 tips for roof winterization.

1. Clean Up Your Roof

Philadelphia homeowners tend to love the trees that adorn their yards. They turn to beautiful yellows, reds and oranges in the fall, creating a great backdrop for holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving. When winter hits, though, they can be a major nuisance. Avoid a lot of this aggravation by cutting off low-hanging branches. This will avoid limbs crashing into your roof and even power cables. If you aren’t comfortable doing so, a ServiceWhale contractor may be able to help.

To get everything knocked out in the same day, climb onto your roof and get rid of branches and other debris that may have already fallen. These can trap moisture, leading to roof rot and costly repairs. If debris doesn’t land on the roof, it may wind up in your gutter. Clean your gutter system out as well to avoid precipitation buildup.

2. Check for Issues

While you are performing your roof winterization, pests are preparing for the cold as well. They may see your chimney or other areas as perfect places for nests. Look for signs of pests, including weak spots in your roof that may be compromised later on by a highly determined squirrel.

Now is also the time to check the systems on your roof. This includes your roofing system (shingles, flashing, etc.) and any HVAC components up there. It’s much better to get these taken care of now before they become a major issue. If you aren’t sure what to look for, a contractor from ServiceWhale can give your roof a thorough inspection to make sure you are ready for the winter. And if they do recommend an entirely new roof before winter, we have some great specials.

3. Let the Pros Handle Your Roof Winterization

When it comes down to it, most homeowners spend little to no time on top of their house. This can often be disastrous, as they may not realize the impending signs of a collapsing roof. Even those who do visit their rooftops often in their stargazing or squirrel-hunting routines are likely not experts in the subtle signs of issues like roof rot.

If you fit into either of these categories, don’t worry. Roof winterization is still possible. All you need to do is find a contractor at ServiceWhale. By using our online request form, you can receive free quotes almost instantaneously for whatever kind of work you need done. Don’t delay; there’s no telling when the first blizzard of the Philadelphia winter will hit, and you need to be prepared when it does!