Preparing Your Residential Baton Rouge Roof For Winter

Editor's note: This post was originally published on November 17, 2016 and has been updated for accuracy and relevance.

As the cooler weather rolls in and you begin preparing the inside of your home for the holidays, you should also prepare the outside. Even if you don't live in an area with extreme winter weather, it is still very important to make sure that your roof is ready for each season to prevent a minor roof problem from turning into a major issue. Preparing your residential Baton Rouge roof for winter allows you to see, first hand, what issues may exist, and affords you the opportunity to correct them before they worsen.

If you're asking yourself why it is so important to maintain your roof, consider the how much your roof endures during the winter, such as higher wind speeds. This is even more relevant for roofs that are over 20 years old.

Cleaning and debris removal come first.

The first thing you should do to prepare your roof for the winter is to clean it of debris. Leaves, twigs, and branches can cause roofs to mold and mildew and can be extremely dangerous to the house. Make sure to clean gutters and downspouts as well because are even more susceptible. While you're cleaning, check your shingles for shingle granules, which resemble coarse sand and are usually a sign that the shingles need to be replaced.

Does your roof have any small leaks?

Next, check insulation for water infiltration. If your insulation is wet or damaged, there's a good chance you're paying way too much for your heating bill. Wet insulation can also breed mold and mildew inside the home. In addition, inspect the home's first line of defense against weather changes: the edge of the roof. Roof edges may become damaged if they are not installed correctly or have not been examined in a while. It is helpful to look at the roof edge from the ground as well as from on the roof. While you're there, look to make sure the roof isn't sagging or bending.

Is any part of your roof broken?

Also check the roof for anything that may be cracked, torn, broken, or missing. If your home has experienced roof or chimney leaks, get those inspected and repaired as soon as possible. Last, take a look at your roof from inside your house. Check the attic for sagging areas, water damage, and leaks. Any dark spots or drips are strong indicators that there is a leak somewhere.

Most of these inspections can be done on your own, but there's no shame in hiring a professional roofing contractor for a complete inspection. If, along the way, you find that you need help, please call our team at Cribbs .