Pre-Winter Roof Inspection Checklist

Getting ready for winter can be a lot of work. One thing that often gets left off the list of things to do as winter approaches is a thorough inspection of your roof to make sure it is ready for whatever Jack Frost has to throw your way. These are some of the things you need to check for.

Inspect Attic Insulation
The goal is to ensure that the insulation in your attic doesn’t cover vents in the eaves, soffits, or overhangs. Also make sure any ridge vents are free of debris, leaves, etc. and that rodents haven’t removed the screens that protect your attic vents.

Having ineffective or inadequate attic insulation can lead to a different problem, ice dams. Prevention is the best cure for this particular problem that can not only damage the soundness of your roof, but also cause damage to the structure and interior of your home.

Clean Out Your Gutters
Gutters can collect leaves, limbs, and other debris that will cause the water to back up in the gutters. When this occurs, winter weather can cause the water to freeze and become too heavy, leading the gutters to break and damage your roof.

While you’re cleaning out your gutters, it’s also an appropriate time to seal your gutters, flashings, and downspouts. This adds yet another layer of protection for your home and helps to prevent those oh so damaging ice dams.

Check Your Shingles
If your home has a shingled roof, it is wise to inspect your roof carefully for missing shingles, that could lead to unwanted leaks, as well as to look for signs of leaks, mold, or mildew.

Trim Trees and Limbs
Winter can bring heavy snowfalls to some regions and snow or ice-laden branches can do their own share of damage to your home and its roof. Trim tree branches hanging over your home that may cause damage to your roof if they break and land on top of it.

If you are afraid you don’t know what to look for when conducting a pre-winter roof inspection, considering hiring someone else to come out and inspect your roof for winter. While you’re at it, have them inspect to ensure that you have proper and adequate roof ventilation, such as an attic fan, to help combat much of the damage that can happen to roofs in winter.

Remember, a little helping of prevention before winter hits can save you from very expensive cures when spring comes along.