How To Prepare Your Roof For Winter

Is Your Roof Ready for the winter months ahead?

Your roof is one of the most vulnerable parts of your home and protecting your home is important. Here are a few things to consider before the heavy rains hit this winter.

You may have noticed over the summer months that the moss on your roof has turned brown. So it’s not going to grow back right? The moss can remain dormant. If this is not removed completely, once the rain hits, the moss will return. That being said, there are several things that can happen if moss is left. It not only deteriorates the granules on the shingles, but it holds water and moisture that could cause mold growth. Living in the Pacific Northwest, we see a significant amount of rainfall and moss growth. Therefore, annual maintenance or inspections is recommended each year.

Clean the gutters

Firstly, you want to remember to clean out your gutters. Your gutter system plays an important role in keeping the rain water away from your roof and your foundation. Overflowing gutters can cause damage to your foundation or cause roof leaks. Heavy tree coverage can be a major cause to clogged gutters. That being said, looking into a gutter guard system could be a cost (and time) saving investment.

Visually inspect

Secondly, visually inspect your shingles. If you notice you have curling or broken shingles, this could be an opportunity for water to pool. Small pools or puddles of water collecting on curling shingles will deteriorate your shingles, allowing moisture to buildup causing leaks or mold. We don’t get a significant amount of snow in this area. However, snow buildup on your roof traps moisture and if it is left too long, can cause mold on the roof deck. Remove heavy amounts of snow from your roof to help keep the moisture out, allow the shingles to dry and avoid mold growth.

Finally, safety is also something you should consider. If you don’t feel comfortable inspecting your roof, hiring a professional may be the way to go. Most roofing contractors offer free roof evaluations for a cleaning, repairs or replacement. Here at MCE, we offer free evaluations of your roofing and gutter systems. Give MCE a call at (503) 397-2215 or Fill Out Our Free Roofing Consultation Form to schedule a contact-free roof evaluation.. We are family owned and operated serving Columbia County, the Portland Metro and surrounding areas with over 25 years of experience.