Getting ready for the long winter season is easier when you know what to do. Your list of preparations should always include making adequate provisions for the safety of your roof. This will be a far more convenient task if your home is currently hosting a GAF roof. Here are a few handy tips that will keep your roof, and the home it rests on, in tip top shape.
Hang Christmas Decorations Safely
Christmas is coming and this means hanging up plenty of bright and festive decorations. If you want to hang lights, the best way to do so is to avoid using nails, screws, or staples. These are items that can cause severe damage to your roof, A loose nail can puncture your shingles and cause leaks.
It's far safer to make use of plastic clips that attach to the edges of your shingles. You can also attach them to your gutters. Doing so will make them easy to remove after the holiday season has ended. it will also ensure that no damage is done to your roof.
Make Sure Your Gutters Are Clean
Yoru next major order of business should be to ensure that your gutters are clean and free of obstructions. Keeping them clear of debris will prevent such potential issues as leaks, ice damming, and general gutter damage.
The less debris there is in your gutters, the easier it will for them to drain properly. This will keep ice, rain, hail, and snow off of your roof, thus minimizing the chances of a break or collapse.
Replace Loose or Torn Shingles
A quick inspection of your roof ought to be enough to let you know if there are any shingles that need replacing. If you spot any shingles that look bent, curled, chipped, or torn, these are the ones that need to be replaced. A high winter wind can come along and rip them right off of your roof.
You should also check to see if any shingles have already gone missing. If this is the case, you need to get them replaced as soon as possible. Missing shingles mean that there is nothing to keep ice, wind, rain, and snow from entering into your home.
Rain or snow can get into your HVAC or other electrical systems. This can cause shorts, malfunctions, and even fires. The best way to prevent this from happening is to install new shingles. If you can't handle this by yourself, you can call a local roofing service to do the work for you.
Check Your Flashings
The flashings on your roof are there to stop water from getting in when snow begins to melt. They are usually made from a waterproofed substance such as aluminum or galvanized metal.
Flashings are specially designed to provide an extra layer of defense. They function by channeling water away from your roof. If you notice any cracks or tears, you may be able to fill them with caulk. If the tear is too wide or parts of the flashing are missing, you can call a local roof repair service to deal with the issue.
Get Your Chimney Inspected
It's a very good idea to clean out your chimney before the winter season comes. This is the best time to ensure that it is free of debris, pests, and the buildup of creosote. Keep in mind that creosote is extremely combustible. All traces of it need to be removed on a regular basis.
Call Idea Roofing for Assistance
Inspecting your roof may not always be the easiest task to take on. You may not have the time or energy to handle it on your own.
If you have any issues that need to be addressed, now is the time to take care of them. Idea Roofing is here to help you get all of your roofing related issues under control.
We can send a service team to your home to inspect your roof and make sure that it is ready for the long winter season. Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment.
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