Tips for a Leak-Free Roof this Winter

Sometimes you see a small imperfection in a building, and you know that tiny flaw is an indicator of a much bigger underlying issue. A brown watermark on your ceiling is one of these imperfections that could spell disaster if not handled ASAP. Whatever caused that spot is not going to heal itself, so it’s up to you to take action. In the Winter, roofing problems can multiply exponentially from the combination of colder temperatures and pressure of ice and snow. Here are some tips to help you prevent that pesky little brown spot, and the impending headaches that can cause it.

Do a fall cleanup of the roof and gutters.

You spend a lot of time raking up leaves from your yard every Autumn, but why? Because if you leave them there, they can wreck your grass as they freeze and solidify, and once you’re in the heart of winter, there’s nothing you can do to fix it. The same applies to your roof and gutters. Those frozen leaves will create solid sheets of weighty, wet materials dragging against your roof’s infrastructure, which puts it under more stress.

Trim overhanging branches.

Snow and ice also add a lot of strain to trees and shrubs that can lead to breakage. If you want to avoid a branch crashing through your shingles, get proactive and trim back branches that hang over your roof. We’re not saying cut all your perfectly healthy trees down but make mindful assessment in Summer or Fall of how the branches within range of your home are faring. If they look questionable now, imagine them with a ½” coating of ice weighing them down. If you don’t know squat about trees, contact a local arborist to have a look. They can also help identify disease to prevent much bigger problems than a single branch falling.

Upgrade your attic insulation.

Gaps in your insulation can spread all that heat trapped in your attic out into the shingles. When that warmth hits the snow, it melts! The moisture then comes back in the same way the heat came out. If you have a drafty attic, you’re losing heat and providing a risk of leaks so freshen up that insulation and you’ll get the added benefit of a warmer house and lower utility bills.

Build Your Roof to Last

If you happen to have the opportunity to construct a new roof, consider the more lasting materials over the most affordable. Slate roofs have been used since the 1800’s for good reason. While they have a classic look, they also take minimal upkeep and have a lifespan of 50-100 years (you could easily go through four asphalt roofs in that same time). They are also easier to install than ever before with smart tools like BECK's Slate Roofing Hook System. The system makes it possible to install the roof tiles in less time, while maintaining universal depth and spacing.

Learn all about it with our Slate Roof eGuide. Click below.