Winter can be an exciting time for homeowners looking to redecorate or wanting a change of scenery, but it can also be a headache for homeowners that have roof issues or avoid necessary maintenance. What should you do to prevent a small leak you may have let go of turning into a major issue this winter? Here are several important things every homeowner can do to protect themselves and their homes from potential problems this winter.

Clean the Gutters

Cleaning the gutters is a very important task to do to prevent a leak from happening in your roof. If your gutters are full the water that would normally run into the gutters and off the roof now is forced back under the shingles. This can lead to rot around the perimeter of your home or worse a leak near the exterior of your wall if you don’t have much space between the gutters and the wall. 

The gutters will need to be cleaned out at least two times during the winter, one time in the beginning to remove any old shingle granules that may have came off during the hot summer months, and once toward the end to remove any leaves falling from the trees. An easy way to do this is to use a leaf blower to force debris out of the gutter and onto the ground. The gutters can then be sprayed with a water hose to clear anything caught in your downspouts.

Remove any debris from the roof

Leafs and debris collect on top of your roof in your valleys and behind your chimney. When debris sits on your roof it can trap water and eventually cause a leak into the home. If you can’t reach the debris from a ladder, try using a long stick or a broom with a long handle to pull any debris toward you and off the roof.

Make sure your vents are open

Roof vents should remain open and functional during the winter months because it will prevent moisture from building up in your attic and help regulate the attic’s temperature. The attic’s temperature should always be as close to the exterior temperature as possible to prevent ice & snow build up on your roof. 

Doing these things will help you with your roof lasting longer and saving you money in the long run. If you’re having trouble doing these things or keeping up with them you can hire a professional contractor to help you with them.