Tips When Hiring a Professional to Winter-Proof Your Roof

​When snow begins to fall, it’s really important to make sure your roof is fit for the winter season.

Damages can become more serious if things are not addressed, especially when it comes to complications from leaks, ventilation, and the buildup of ice and debris from surrounding leaves, branches, etc.

While most homeowners can save money and tackle small repairs around their homes, getting professional help is often necessary for your roof. 

A professional roofing contractor should have a long-standing track record in the services they provide, be thorough in their assessment method, and explain every step of the process to you along the way. The following are major areas every roofing company should cover when working for you:

Shingles
Have your professional roofing contractor take a close look at your shingles for signs of deterioration. There may be pockets where water has frozen, expanded, and left tears that need mending before the cold makes it difficult to be outside for longer periods.
 
The benefit with shingles is that wear and tear is usually visible, though there are exceptions. For example, if your roof has multiple layers of shingles, it’s likely that a contractor will have to remove them all to ensure it is watertight. Reach out to your local expert as soon as you can so they can help you stay warm throughout the season.

Eavestroughs
Making sure eavestroughs are secure and clear of debris serves two main purposes. One, it allows rain and melt water to move freely to the ground below without the risk of overflow. Two, it prevents ice, dirt, and leaves from freezing and causing blockages that lead to leaks and headaches down the line. Reducing the weight your eavestroughs carry day to day is also a good way to extend their life and improve your roof’s reliability regardless of the weather.

Ventilation
A properly ventilated attic will keep heat inside the house and save you money on your energy bill, but that’s not all. It will also keep ice dams from forming. Ice dams occur when warm air exits through a gap in the attic and heats the bottom of your roof. This causes snow to melt and refreeze as soon as it escapes the warm air’s reach, leaving large barriers of ice for your shingles to contend with as they direct water away from your roof. Installing an ice and water shield is an effective way to prevent this issue.

Regular Maintenance
Just like any other aspect of home maintenance, professional roofers should instill the importance of regular check-ups. A small fix can quickly turn into an unexpected emergency expense. When it comes to roof repair, the hardest issues to catch are those that require a little dirty work to find. It takes someone experienced to notice a patch of worn out caulk, sealer, or insulation tucked away in a dark corner. They must be willing to systematically assess all possible problem areas, such as

Plumbing stacks
Brick stacks
Smoke alarms
Light fixtures

When it comes to your roof, the quickest way to peace of mind is to hire contractors who go the extra mile and treat your home with the care they would their own.

If you need your winter inspection done by a professional team and live in the Niagara Region, my team at Class Eh! Roofing would be happy to assist.  Please contact us directly at: 289-687-6924 or fill out the form HERE.

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