When you are preparing for winter’s harsh assault, be sure to keep this ultimate winter roof maintenance checklist on hand. It can help you avoid a call to J&J Remodeling of Georgia, LLC for emergency services and roof repairs in the middle of the cold season.
Our General Roof Maintenance Tips
- Get at least one annual roof inspection to ensure your property is in good shape to weather the cold season.
- Make sure to trim overhanging branches that could fall on your roof and cause windstorm damage.
- Clean your roof or hire professional roof cleaners to prevent the buildup of moss and mildew that can damage shingles.
- Apply roof sealant to older roofs, to protect against aging and UV damage.
Ice & Snow Prevention is Best
- Add Attic Insulation: Adding or increasing the amount of insulation in your attic can prevent hot spots on the roof that can melt snow, which later freezes into ice overnight.
- Improve Attic Ventilation: Poor ventilation can cause condensation buildup in the attic, which increases the risk of water damage and mildew.
- Install Water and Ice Shield: A water and ice shield underlayment along the edges of the roofline can prevent water damage from melting ice and snow in winter. It can also stop damage from horizontal rain.
- Install De-icing Cables: If you experience ice on the roof regularly, it might be a good idea to install de-icing cables that quickly and easily melt ice to prevent it from building up.
Do Your Gutter Cleaning Before Cold Weather!
Another concern of cold winter weather in Southeastern Georgia is freezing and overflowing gutters due to pooling rainwater. Take the time to clean out your gutters before the beginning of winter so that they can efficiently drain rainwater from the roof.
You can also have gutter guards installed to prevent the buildup of leaf debris that can cause these clogs. It may be a good idea to get any necessary gutter repairs completed before winter sets in.
Top Tips for Winter Roof Safety
- Avoid going up on the roof in winter; ice can make the surface slippery, increasing your chance of falls.
- Use a snow rake to remove excess snow that may build up on your roof. It's generally recommended to remove snow if it is 6 inches deep or more.
- If you go outside to work on the roof or your property, make sure to wear warm and sturdy clothing appropriate for the temperature.
- Check the weather before beginning any exterior remodeling work or maintenance, as storms can come up quickly in winter.
Get Help with Roofing or Exterior Remodeling in Southeastern Georgia
J&J Remodeling of Georgia, LLC can take care of many roof restoration services and storm damage repairs for our customers in southeastern Georgia. If you are looking for help with wind damage, hail damage, or roof maintenance, give us a call.
As licensed general contractors, we can also work on exterior updates, remodeling, restorations, and commercial renovations. Feel free to bookmark this helpful resource for winter safety or download this checklist to keep on your computer.
Subscribe to J&J Remodeling of Georgia's Blog
