How to Prepare Your Roof for the Winter

With winter quickly approaching, it’s time to start inspecting your roof and getting it ready for the harsh winter weather. Your roof is more susceptible to damage in the winter due to rain, snow and sleet however, the biggest risk to your roof is the high gusting winds that accompany winter storms. And if your roof suffers severe damage, the rest of your home may be affected as well. It’s important to be aware of any problems with your roof before winter so that you can be properly prepared for what’s ahead. You don’t want to ignore any problems and have to end up getting a Reno roof replacement. So, take these tips on how to prepare your roof for winter, and avoid a roofing catastrophe.

Start by Calculating Your Roof’s Age

Determining how old your roof is will directly affect the time in which it needs to be replaced. Most roofs last about 20-30 years and as it gets closer to reaching the 30 year mark, the more likely your roof will need to be replaced. And if you’re thinking that a repair may be your best solution, think again. Repairs are always more expensive proportionally than getting a roof replacement. This is due to a lack of matching materials, the higher skill level that’s required to do repairs, and staffing inconsistencies with repairs. Extra staff will be needed to answer repair calls, which can be costly to roofing companies, which in turn means repairs will be more expensive.

Keep in mind that most roofers don’t offer repair services and aren’t always available in roofing emergencies.

Roofers typically don’t offer repair services due to the liability of performing roof repairs. There are various risks for roofers to make repairs on a roof, which may not be worth it in the end. For instance, a roof repair typically costs $300-$500. However, a roofer could be exposed to the liability of facing thousands of dollars worth of damage if leaking or other damage occurs. 

Also keep in mind that most roofing companies are relatively small. They’re usually composed of just 1-10 roofers. Because of this, many roofers don’t run emergency repair services, which means getting help in a hurry can be a challenge. Many of these roofing emergency resources are locked up for warranty repairs for existing customers. 

Examine Your Roof’s Shingles

Another tip we have for how to prepare your roof for winter is to examine your roof’s shingles. Roof shingles can loosen following a storm, which can lead to further roof damage. To be properly prepared for winter, inspect your shingles for curling or lifting and have them replaced by a professional roofer. And if your roof is suffering from major damage, they can inform you of those problems and advise you on how to have it handled.  

Clear Debris

Prior to the winter season, you should clear any debris that may have gathered on your roof. Added roof debris can prevent water from running off, which could result in damage. It’s important to have it cleared off before the wet climate hits your roof.  

Clean Your Gutters

Just as you should clear off debris that’s collected on the roof, you should also clean out your gutters. Gutters allow the water from your roof to runoff. If these are clogged up and full of debris and dirt, you could get water collecting on your roof which will cause damage to the shingles and other roofing layers. There are various tools you can look for to make cleaning gutters easier, or, you can call a roofing contractor. 

Risk of Damage from Winter Weather

Consider the risk of damage caused by harsh winter weather compared to the cost of a Reno roof replacement or repair. Since most roofs last about 30 years and the average roof costs $8,000-$10,000, each year of your roof’s life is worth about $300. So, trying to squeeze another winter out of your roof, considering the possible damage and inconvenience, may be greater than the savings of getting your roof through another year. For example, how much is it going to cost to repair the damage if a large portion of your roof blows off and it’s a few days or weeks before someone can cover it with a tarp? You’ll end up wishing you had your roof replaced if something like this happens. 

Reno Roof Replacement with East Fork Roofing 

Hopefully these helpful tips showed you how to prepare your roof for winter. If you’re in need of a roof replacement give the experts at East Forking Roofing a call. East Fork Roofing can get you a replacement quote in as little as 3 business days for a new roof and warranty that will give you the confidence that your roof is ready for the winter. For homeowners who need a tarp to bridge the gap between now and when East Fork Roofing can complete your roof replacement, they also offer a tarping service. When it comes to something as important as your home’s roof, you can’t be too careful. Don’t wait to have your roof inspected, and get it replaced before any major damage occurs. Connect with East Fork Roofing today!