Getting Your Roof Ready for Fall and Winter: Tips from Waco Roofing Experts
Homeowners need to monitor various parts of their house when preparing for seasonal changes in Texas weather. A timely checkup and routine maintenance can protect your home from the hazards of harsh weather and extreme temperatures. Whether you reside in Dallas, Waco, or other parts of North and Central Texas, preparing your roof now to withstand the harsh winter weather is essential to reducing the risks of roof damage.
A reliable and reputable Waco roofing company like Clark Roofing, can help you with the preventive measures to strengthen and protect your roof. Keep reading to learn how to prepare your roof now for winter and fall!
What are the Steps to Follow While Preparing Your Roof for the Winter Months?
The roof protects your house from all the outer elements, be it ice and snow, rain, storm, wind, or sunlight. It acts as a protective barrier for the entire structure. Thus, protecting this part of your house is an essential part of home maintenance. Our Waco roofing experts recommend that you follow the steps below to prepare your roof for the fall and winter:
Clearing debris
Ensuring adequate water evacuation requires more than just keeping your gutters clean. You also need to make sure to clean your roof of debris like dry leaves, branches, oak pollen etc. Debris accumulation will decompose over time, and this can lead to the growth of mold or mildew on your roof. If not cleaned in a timely fashion, the mold and mildew can break down your roof surface, causing pre-mature failure or damage and expenses.
Checking
Preparing your roof for harsh Texas weather doesn’t end with a simple cleaning procedure; it requires a thorough checkup of all your roofing components. Inspect the entire roof surface to detect any broken, missing, or loose shingles. Additionally, examine the vent pipes, chimneys, skylights, and any other roof projections for any issues.
If you find any damaged flashing or breakage, you should opt for an immediate repair to keep the roof winter-ready. Your gutters may also get filled with leaves and branches, so this is a good time to check them as well.
Washing
After clearing debris and checking gutters, you should consider washing any existing mold and mildew, and thoroughly cleaning out your gutters. Soft washing your roof surfaces is preferred to power washing in order to clean without damaging singles and other roof surfaces. You can use a hose pipe to flush the water and rinse the gutters. If gutter clogs are stubborn, you may need a broom handle or chimney brush to unclog the drains. Make sure to check and clean debris from downspouts to avoid accumulation at the end of the gutters.
Prevention
Prevention is always better than spending a significant amount on repair bills. To protect the gutters from falling leaves, you can install leaf guards. Similarly, you can add extensions to the downspouts so that the water from your roof can flow away from your home’s foundation.
How can I prevent the roof of my house from having ice-related issues in winter?
Ice damming is not a common issue with winters in Texas. However, if you’ve been in Texas for very long, you know that prolonged ice and snow events have been more common in recent years. Texas homes and their roofs are not designed to withstand this type of winter weather. Ice accumulation on Texas roofs can quickly cause damage that leads to roof leakage and enables water penetration into your house.
The longer freezing events we have experienced recently will cause ice and snow accumulation on your roof to thaw and refreeze which causes it to expand and push the shingles on your roof.
This thaw / refreeze phenomenon during prolonged freeze events is exacerbated by the difference between the outside temperature and the temperature inside your house. Just as proper insulation in the attic keeps things cool in summer, checking your insulation before winter arrives can also help protect your roof.
When is the Best Time for Roof Work or Installation?
Asphalt shingles need warmer temperatures and direct sunlight to activate the self-sealing roof features. Thus, it’s best to avoided rain, cold, and wind while installing a new roof. Ideally, months with plenty of direct sunlight are ideal for roof work. If possible, you should plan for a new roof installation during summer, spring, and before mid-fall.
How Long Will It Take to Install a New Roof in My House?
The time required for a new roof installation mainly depends on three things:.
- Size of the area to be covered.
- Materials to be used.
- Complexity of the roof.
Roofs are mainly measured in square feet. Installing a 2000 sq. ft. roof with asphalt shingles may take less than a day for an asphalt shingle roof. If the roof is tile, metal, or other exotic material then it’s usually a bit longer than an asphalt shingle install. Also, if the roof structure is complex, or there is excessive prep work needed with the decking or other subsurface, then it may take two to three days to complete a typical residential roof installation.
Is it Possible to Complete Roof Installation During the Winter?
As Waco roofing experts, we generally suggest you complete maintenance and repair during the winter as needed, but wait for warmer weather for full roof installation. This is especially true for asphalt shingles common on most residential roofs. However, just as we discussed the prolonged ice and snow events of recent years in Texas, we also see plenty of mild winters where there are patches of warm sunny weather conducive to new roof installs as well. The point is, weather conditions should be considered when doing a completely new roof as cold temperatures may hamper the shingles ability to properly bond with the roof. This can result in cracks and brittle areas on the roof which may lead to roof leakage and damage. Typically, the best time for roofing is during the spring, summer, or early fall.
How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Roofing?
Proper maintenance and timely repair are the keys to a strong roof. As mentioned earlier, you need to inspect thoroughly and clean the roof occasionally. However, more than basic maintenance is required. It is best to occasionally make necessary repairs and to avoid severe damage down the line.
Any minor leakage or damage must be addressed immediately to protect your roof from further damage. It will ensure the strength of your roof and save you from bearing the cost of severe roof damage. Additionally, timely repair and maintenance keep you safe from harmful molds and mildew.
Another way to enhance your roof’s longevity is by using sealants and advanced roof coatings. They can prevent water leakage and stop the formation of molds, thereby protecting your roof from severe damage. Above all, a professional inspection is necessary to ensure the lifespan of your roof lasts beyond any warranty.
A professional inspection will allow you to take proactive action based on the roofing conditions. Knowing that your roof has been thoroughly inspected by an experienced professional provides peace of mind and ensures that it is fit for the winter (or any other season for that matter).
Conclusion
Preparing your roof for winter and fall is extremely important to surviving cold temperatures and winter weather conditions. Following the advice and suggestions of Waco Roofing experts will significantly increase your roof’s ability to endure chilly weather.
These pointers are intended to ensure that your roof stays in top shape and provide your house with the best protection during these seasons.
If you need further assistance and guidance, please contact Clark Roofing. We are always ready to answer your questions and provide expert assistance
