Winter is rough on houses, particularly here in the Peace Region, and we ask a lot from our roofs during this time of year. Here are some signs to look for to ensure your roof is ready to literally carry the load of winter.
- Missing Shingles
Your roof doesn’t immediately start leaking if it’s missing one shingle, but missing shingles can create compounding problems since the underlay of your roof isn’t mean to be exposed to the elements. It can take time for enough water to seep through the underlayers, but once it does, you’ll notice leaks inside your home. Other times, your roof may not actually experience a leak. It all depends on the types of shingles, how they were installed, and which ones are missing.
Left untreated, missing shingles can lead to costly problems, including structural damages. The bottom line is that you should err on the side of caution and check it out.
- Damaged Shingles
Like a single missing shingle, damaged shingles lead to problems. From nicks and cracks to chips and breaks, damaged shingles are likely to worsen with winter weather. All it takes is a few days of deeply cold weather, wind and/or snow. It’s easiest to get damaged shingles fixed before they lead to a serious issue.
- Staining On Fascia or Siding
Staining on fascia or siding is likely the sign of another, bigger problem: an already formed leak in your roof. If you’re noticing discoloration or obvious water stains, it’s best to call a professional. Our experts can assess the area and determine where the water is coming from and whether it’s cause for concern.
- Clogged Eavestroughs or Gutters
Eavestroughs are part of a healthy roofing system. When they’re clogged, water, snow, and ice can all back up on the roof. This situation will eventually lead to damages and leaks. Fall is the hardest time to keep gutters clean, since one windy day can cause all sorts of debris to land in your eavestrough. A thorough and well-timed fall cleaning helps eliminate potential problems.
How To Prep Your Roof
For those do-it-yourselfers out there, we do have a few recommended actions to help prepare your roof for the rough winter ahead.
Ensure your eavestroughs are clear: This will eliminate potential issues with your gutter system. Eavestrough cleanings can be completed on your own or through a certified professional.
Clean your roof of all debris: Besides looking cleaner, this prevents that debris from building up under mounds of snow. It also ensures leaves and sticks don’t drift into your gutter system.
Make sure your roof is properly ventilated: Improper ventilation leads to a shorter shingle life. Your eaves or roofs should have vents on them. If they don’t – and you’re unsure if your roof is vented properly – call a professional.
What To Do If Your Roof Isn’t Ready For Winter
Simple: give Heritage Roofing a call. Our experts can help lead you to the most appropriate solution available. These solutions might even require a simpler fix than you think.
