Colorado is all about extremes. A warm October day around 65 degrees can turn into a blistery sub-freezing night in no time at all. The extreme variance can be tough on people, but it’s even harder on the structures we build.
When you buy a house, you’re making a long-term investment. You expect the dwelling to hold up and last as long as you’ll need it to. And in most cases it will, with proper upkeep. One essentially piece to your home that you definitely need to take care of is your roof.
Essential Cover for Your Family
A roof is vital, but it’s not something we think about on a regular basis. This is probably due to the fact that you seldom see your roof. If your front door has a crack, you notice it right away and it is quickly addressed. Your roof, on the other hand, is a different story.
Today we’re going to talk about a few ways you can take care of your roof during rough Colorado winters. By following them, you’ll get the most life out of your roof. Let’s get started!
Clean Out Your Gutters
I know, I know, cleaning out the gutters on your roof is no fun. But it IS important. This is a great task to undertake just before winter sets in, and it’s probably not as bad as you think. The issue with backed up gutters is that they can create ice dams and other blockage issues that cause water to sit on your roof. The last thing you want is a massive hole and leak when it’s freezing outside!
Perform a Visual Inspection
You may not be a roofing expert, but that doesn’t mean you can’t spot obvious problems. It’s a simple task that too many of us overlook. Walk around your home from the best vantage point you can (use binoculars if you have them) and visually observe cracks, broken shingles, and other issues that are easily spotted. If you’re feeling adventurous, don’t be afraid to break out the ladder. But as always, be careful!
Get Rid of Debris on the Roof
This is a chore that may take a bit of hard work, so don’t be afraid to call for help if you need it. You may find that your roof acts a catch-all for all types of debris. Branches, leaves, and other material may collect in certain spots on your roof. They can make important tasks, like snow removal, much more difficult. Make sure you clean it off before winter.
Snow Removal
This one is especially important here in Colorado. Snow left on your roof quickly melts under the intense sun. It then freezes again overnight. The constant freezing and thawing on your roof can cause serious problems as cracks are developed. Then, when the snow melts, the water pours into your home. Additionally, snow sitting on your roof can cause it to sag and eventually cave in.
Have a Professional Roof Inspection
Sometimes it’s nice to be able to handle things on your own, but there are plenty of warning signs about your roof that you might miss. It’s a good idea to bring out professional roofers for an inspection whenever you can. They’ll prep you for the winter and make sure you won’t face any major issues!
We love Colorado – and a big part of that has to do with the fantastic winters. But that doesn’t mean we want to pay more money for repairs to the roof than we have to. By avoiding the issue altogether, you leave things up to chance. When you leave things up to chance, disaster strikes. Do you what you can now to avoid a faulty roof in the future.
If you have any questions about these tips, or you want to talk to somebody about an inspection, reach out to a expert Littleton roofer at National Home Improvement today!
