We’re already two-thirds of the way through fall and the cold weather is upon us. Before we know it, the ground will be covered in the white stuff and we’ll be all bundled up in our warmest attire.

But not only should we be preparing your wardrobe for the winter months ahead, so should we be tending to our homes to make sure they’re prepped for what’s coming.

Among other things, your roof requires some attention to ensure it’s equipped to withstand all the cold, ice, snow, and everything else that the winter season brings.

Here are some tips to help make sure your roof is ready for winter.

Clean Off Debris From the Roof

When it comes to winterizing your roof, your first step should be cleaning off whatever debris may have made its way to the roof and around it.

Start off by pruning any branches that may be overhanging on the roof from adjacent trees. Cut these branches at least 6 feet back from the roof to avoid any sap from the branches from dropping when they defrost during the warmer weather that appears on the other side of winter.

Any debris that may be sitting on your roof – such as leaves – should also be cleared out. Failure to do so can prevent water from draining properly. And if that happens, you risk the buildup of mold, mildew, and fungus.

Your eavestroughs should also be cleared out. These systems are designed to capture precipitation and direct it away from your home’s roof and foundation.

But they’re also a common place for leaves to fall into and accumulate. Be sure to clean out any leaves or other debris from your eavestroughs, or else they can prevent water from draining away from your home. Clogged eavestroughs can cause water to spill over the edges and cause damage to your home.

While you’re cleaning your roof, keep an eye out for any potential issues that may require some additional attention, such as damaged flashings, cracked shingles, or asphalt pebbles collected in the eavestroughs. If you notice any issues like these, have them addressed by a roof or eavestrough professional.

Assess the Condition of the Roof’s Edge

There are a few key components to your roof’s edge that defend the roof and your home against the harsh elements of winter, including the fascia, soffit, and fasteners. Take a look at these components and make sure they are in good condition and are installed properly. Otherwise, your roof may be more susceptible to damage from the cold weather.

Look for issues such as worn-out fasteners, rust, cracked sealant, or bubbling paint.

Examine Your Attic’s Interior

The outside of the roof won’t tell you everything about it. You can also find issues with the roof by looking inside the attic. For starters, look at the condition of your attic’s insulation and make sure that it has an even appearance. If you notice that certain sections appear worn out or have visible water damage, you may need to address the problem further.

Further, determine how the fans and vents are operating and make sure that the entire system is balanced. The vents should be appropriately placed.

Also, look for signs of the presence of animals, like burrowing, food, holes, or defecation. If you see anything like this, don’t seal anything until they have been eradicated. If animals get trapped in the attic, they can cause even more damage.

If your eavestrough system needs repair or maintenance, or you are considering having a new system installed in place of your old one, be sure to call in the professionals at Tip Top Trough!