For home owners in Ann Arbor Michigan it’s that time of year again, time for the snow to start falling and temperatures to start dropping. But the cool air that arrives every year isn’t something to fear for your home’s roof as long as you’re prepared. Keeping your home’s roof in great shape over the winter just means you’ll need to take a few precautionary steps to ensure it will last through the winter which can add many years to the life of the roof. Read this article to learn more about what you can do to get your roof ready for winter and if there is a need for your to call a roofer in Ann Arbor Michigan to help before the cold gets here.
Getting Your Roof Ready for the Winter in Ann Arbor Michigan
If there’s one time of the year that tests the limits of your roof in Ann Arbor Michigan, it’s the winter. While it might be tempting to spend your weekends watching football during the fall, you should take some time to get your roof geared up for winter. Once winter hits, repairs become a lot more difficult (if not impossible). Any small problems left un-repaired could turn into bigger problems after the first snowfall. Follow these five tips and your roof will be all set for wintertime. That’s not to say you shouldn’t pull for the Wolverines on Saturday but be sure to take a few minutes before or after the game to make these checks and determine if your roof is ready for the cold weather. Here are some things that you should do to ensure your roof will be okay this winter:
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Clean Debris
Debris left on the roof can clog gutters and cause ice damns during the winter months. When gutters are full of debris, melted ice will run down the siding and can cause damage to the exterior of the home. If precipitation builds up on the roof, it can harm your attic, foundation, and interior walls. Water that builds up and freezes in the gutters can cause the gutters to crack. Once the gutters start to crack and expand, you’ll have to replace them.
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Inspect Insulation
Before cold temperatures hit, it’s vital to inspect the insulation in the attic to fix any damage. Damaged insulation causes cold air to seep in from the roof and into your home, leading bitter temperatures inside the home and higher energy costs. If there is any water damage to the insulation, you may need to completely replace it. Water-damaged insulation is prone to mold growth that can spread to other parts of the home.
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Check for Damaged Shingles
Any cracked, warped, or splintered shingles should be removed before the winter hits. As a matter of fact, fall is the best time to remove shingles because if the weather is too hot, asphalt becomes soft and harder to remove. When snow and ice accumulate on your roof, the structure is holding a huge mass of water. As you can imagine, when the ice starts to melt, water will seep into your attic and damage your interior walls and insulation. If you need shingles replaced on your home’s roof you will need help from a roofing contractor in Ann Arbor Michigan because it’s not a DIY project.
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Look Inside the Attic
A wet attic is a major headache for homeowners. The moisture not only causes ceiling damage, but also causes mold to build up in the attic. If there’s enough moisture, it can leak onto your carpet and furniture. Any sunlight coming through the attic is a big warning sign that there is damage. A professional roof inspection can fully assess your attic and determine what needs repaired.
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Trim Trees Around Your Home
Branches hanging over your roof can lead to extensive damage. During an ice storm, there’s a chance that ice would weigh down the tree so much that it falls on the roof. Not only do the branches pose a threat of falling onto the roof, but they also can strip off layers of the asphalt.
No matter how your roof looks from the ground, it’s always important to have it inspected before the winter. There could be several underlying issues that you won’t realize until winter comes. For a professional roof inspection, call A2 Roofing Michigan company at 734-548-9915 to get started.
