Winter can be brutal, and as a homeowner, you can't predict how winter will affect your roof. Therefore, you need to prepare for the cold season before the temperatures drop. Preparation can mean the difference between your roof handling the weather and roof damage.

Read on to discover a few tips to help you protect your roof when winter arrives.

1. Trim Overhanging Tree Branches

Trees are an excellent feature in any yard and add beauty to the landscape. However, if branches hang over your roof, they can cause damage. Large branches or dead trees are especially problematic because they break easily during storms or high winds. 

A fallen branch could puncture the outer membrane of the roof and allow moisture to get inside. Moisture could eventually lead to structural problems if left untreated for too long. If you feel uncomfortable trimming tree branches yourself, hire a professional to do it for you.

2. Get a Professional Roof Inspection

One of the most important things you can do to protect your roof is to call a professional roofer and have them inspect the condition of your roof. You want to make sure that your roof is in good shape before snow accumulates. 

A professional roofer will know how and where to look for potential problem areas on your roof. A professional roofer can also determine whether you're due for a new roof and if you should install it before winter arrives. You can have a professional inspect your roof in the fall or early winter before harsh weather sets in.

3. Clean Downspouts and Gutters

Gutters and downspouts are part of the roof drainage system that collects and directs water away from your roof. Ensuring that your gutters and downspouts are clean is crucial to roof winterizing. 

If you don't clean gutters and downspouts, the system can clog with leaves, dirt, and other debris. Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause snow buildup on your roof. The buildup can lead to roof leaks and other structural damage.

You can clean out your gutters yourself with a garden trowel and some gloves, or you can hire a professional to do the cleaning. Just make sure the system is clean before the snow arrives.

4. Insulate and Ventilate

Insulation in your attic helps keep the warm air inside in the winter. Without insulation, heat escapes through the roof and melts snow on the roof surface. The melted snow then flows down towards the colder edges of the roof, where it freezes again. 

The melting and refreezing of snow can cause ice dams. Ice dams damage shingles and gutters and allow water to seep into walls or ceilings.

Proper roof ventilation prevents excess heat and moisture from escaping your attic or crawlspace. If your roof doesn't have proper ventilation, you could end up with mold, mildew, or even rotting wood in your walls or flooring.

5. Consider Heat Cables

If you live in an area that gets a lot of snow, consider installing heat cables. Heating cables are wires attached to the roof that help melt snow and ice on your roof. The cables also create a layer of insulation for your roof. 

You can use the cables over the entire roof or only in sections that collect more snow and receive less sunlight. You only need to plug in the cables when you need them. Heat cable installation requires time, skills, and the proper tools to get the job done right. Therefore, leave the installation to professionals.

Your roof is the first line of defense against the elements, so you need to make sure it can withstand whatever the winter throws at it. Winterizing your roof isn't as complicated or time-consuming as you may think, especially when you compare the winterizing process to the damage that can occur if you don't winterize. Contact us at All Terrain Roofing if you need help ensuring your roof is winter-ready.The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.