Tips To Prepare Your Roof for the Winter Season

5 Ways To Prepare Your Roof For Winter 

The process of readying your roof for Calgary’s harsh winters begins in fall. And frankly, roof maintenance can be hard work and is not for everyone. As such, many homeowners contract a roofing company to do the work for them. This can be a sensible idea; you can learn a lot from watching roofing contractors so that you can do your own roof maintenance in the following years. 

If you are committed to completing the roof maintenance yourself, here are some the things you can do to get your roof in winter shape: 

• Keep branches away from your roof: Tree branches are a hazard to your roof during heavy winter storms, ruining your shingles and denting your roof on impact. Falling ice from frozen branches can damage your roof as well. 

Trimming branches that get too close to your roof solves this problem. You may want to hire an arborist for this job. An arborist is also knowledgeable about your local regulations and can trim your tree in an eco-friendly manner. 

• Remove debris from your roof: Leaves, dirt, fallen tree fruit, and pinecones should all be removed from your roof in preparation for winter. Debris holds moisture, and in combination with winter precipitation, can lead to mold in your home. 

Depending on the shingles your roof has, you may want to hire a professional roofer for the job. Maintaining low-maintenance asphalt shingles is simple enough with a pair of sturdy work gloves and a trusty bristle brush, but working with fragile clay or concrete tiles may be out of the homeowner’s league. 

• Protect the edges of your roof: Ice dams can form on your roof’s edges during winter, causing structural damage and significantly shortening your roof’s lifespan. Installing a ventilation system may prevent ice dams from forming. 

You may also install flashing, a protective sheet of metal that wraps around the edges, to limit winter damage. Flashing is particularly useful for preserving edges that are already damaged and is a great stop-gap solution until you are ready to fully renovate your roof. 

• Clean your gutters: Your gutter system redirects water from rain or snowfall away from your home, shielding it from erosion. Leaves and debris that accumulate in the gutter, however, can clog it and prevent it carrying water away. That is why all homeowners understand the importance of keeping their gutter clean. 

This is even more critical during winter, as the added weight of snow and ice could cause your gutter to detach and fall. Keep your gutter clear from debris to minimize the risks of this happening. 

• Inspect your shingles: Once you have removed all debris from your roof, ensured that its edges are protected, and cleaned your gutters, wrap up your winter preparation with a shingle inspection. Look for cracks, fractures, and missing shingles一all of which could lead to leakages in your home during winter.  

A professional can advise you whether you should replace damaged or missing shingles, and can make the necessary repairs. 

Is Your Roof Ready For Calgary’s Winter? 

Our infamous winters are tough for everybody一your roof can also be impacted. Proactive roof maintenance in fall can maximize its chances of going through the winter unscathed and protect you and your home for many years to come. Keeping your roof clean and clear of branches, scooping out debris from its gutter system, and replacing damaged or missing shingles will keep it performing for generations. 

If this is the mileage you want out of your roof, contact Asonic Roofing for your seasonal roof maintenance. A leading roof installation and roof repair company located in Calgary, Asonic Roofing combines top-notch quality of work with competitive warranty packages. Call us at 403-462-2808 or fill out the online contact form to get your free roof assessment today.     

FAQ

Q: What warranty for my roof can I expect from Asonic Roofing?
A: We offer a 50-year non-prorated warranty on all our roof installs. 

Q: How much does it cost to fix my roof or install a new one?
A: The cost depends on the dimensions of your roof as well as the material of the shingles. Get in touch for a free assessment and quote. 

Q: What roofing services does Asonic Roofing offer?
A: Our roofing services include:

• Roof restoration and repair
• Roof cleaning and maintenance 
• Removal of old roofing material, as well as full site and yard clean-up 
• Supply and installation of new vents 
• Removal and replacement of rotten wood 
• Supply and installation of quality shingles
• Supply and installation of step-flashing to chimneys and skylights as required
• Supply and installation of new plumbing collars and goosenecks