Tips for preparing your roof for a Northeast Ohio winter

Heavy Lake Effect snow, freezing rain and ice buildup mean trouble for your roof if it is not properly prepared. A Northeast Ohio winter can bring months of freezing temperatures with several cycles of freezing and thawing that will loosen shingles and compromise flashing, especially if you have an aging or damaged roof.

Fixing roof damage right away can ensure you don’t have worse problems in the winter, but a loose shingle can be easy to miss. At Total Exterior Systems, we suggest proactive steps in the fall to help prevent a leaky roof in the winter, but it’s never too late to call your roofing expert if you believe you may have a problem.

Roof inspections from Total Exteriors

The only way to be sure your roof is sound is to get a close look. Whether shingle or metal, it’s impossible to see compromised flashing, a cracked shingle, or other damage or wear from the ground. With winter already upon us, your Akron area roof will be slick, so contact Total Exterior Systems for a professional inspection by technicians trained in roofing safety.

You will know your roof is aging if you have noticed algae growth during damp conditions or if you can see curled shingles from a ground-level inspection. Any of these issues will be exacerbated by moisture, snow, and freezing temperatures, so an inspection and assessment right away will prevent additional damage.

Catch up on roof cleanup

Your fall yard cleanup routine should have included roof protection, such as trimming overhanging tree branches and cleaning out gutters. Since tree pruning is typically done during cold weather months when trees are dormant, you still have time to address potential issues with nearby trees. Contact a tree expert if low hanging branches are out of your reach from the ground or if large branches are overhanging your home or garage roof.

Gutters are a critical part of roof drainage and should be inspected for damage and clogs before the winter freeze and thaw cycles. If your gutters got clogged with leaves and debris last fall, you could find yourself fighting ice dams this winter, which can force water under shingles and damage your roof. Even if you cleaned out your gutters and downspouts earlier, if you believe additional clogs exist, contact a professional to help clear them out.

If you need roof repair in Wadsworth, Medina, or Akron, or you would like to schedule a roof inspection, contact Total Exterior Systems today. We provide thorough inspections and can provide estimates for roof repairs and roof replacements. Ask us about our gutter services, too.