How To Winterize Your Home’s Roof

Brr…it’s cold out there lately! In just the last week, temperatures have dipped down, and now the thermometer is reading in the 40s in the mornings, with days averaging in the 60s and 70s. The scorching heat of our summers is behind us, and we have entered winter in Phoenix. This is the time of year we Phoenicians live for: beautiful days, cold nights, pumpkin spice, meals with family and friends, watching football, and enjoying a little down time. But that doesn’t mean it’s all fun and games.

Don’t Forget Your Roof

There is one thing that shouldn’t be overlooked as winter comes every season, and that is preparing your roof for the cold weather and the harsh frosts that will come. Yes, even in Phoenix, we have to prepare our homes for winter. We do get freezing temperatures, and that requires a little bit of forethought to keep everything running as it should.

Phoenix Roofing Professional or DIY?

Do yourself a favor and either inspect and winterize your roof yourself or get in contact with a Phoenix roofing professional to help. If you choose to do it yourself, here are a few steps to get you headed in the right direction in protecting your homes first line of defense to mother nature.

Step 1. Climb onto Your Roof and Take a Look

-- Step one might seem a bit obvious, but it’s absolutely required. You must first get on your roof. Don’t try to inspect your roof by taking a look from your yard. You will need a sturdy ladder to climb on up. Take a walk around on your roof and look for any signs of obvious damage such as holes, cracks, loose shingles, or broken tiles. These will be clear signs you need to schedule some maintenance in a hurry.

-- Inspect all of the flashings (metal areas) on your roof. Make sure they don’t have any holes or tears and that those flashings are not separating from your roof. Flashings are important for connecting the joints in your roof and can be prone to leaking or letting the heat escape or enter your home.

-- The next thing you should do is clean and inspect all of your gutters. Clear out all of the debris and blockages and be on the lookout for any holes and cracks. Cleaning the gutters will also prevent mold from growing in the pipes.

-- The last thing to do while on top of the roof is to trim back any trees or bushes that might be rubbing against the roof or growing a little too close. Trees grinding on your roof in the wind can cause serious damage. This is the perfect opportunity to trim them back and inspect the areas under them.

Step 2. Visit Your Attic and Clear Obstructions

-- The next place to visit while winterizing your roof and house will be your attic. The first thing you will need to do is check all of the ventilation in your attic. Make sure air can flow clearly with as wide-open spaces as possible. This will allow for fresh air to enter and old, stale, wet air to be pushed out, which will help keep mold from growing.

-- You might also want to consider adding fresh insulation. Insulating your attic is the best possible way to keep the heat inside of your house, as we all know, hot air rises. It’s very easy to determine if your attic needs more insolation: start by taking a look in your attic. If you can see the ceiling joists, you need to add insulation. Adding insulation before the winter hits will be a huge payoff when your electric bill comes around.

By following these simple steps once a year, you will be protecting your best asset against the forces of nature: your roof. But what if these steps seem too much to do yourself? No worries! Gryphon Roofing & Restoration has you covered—literally! Give us a call now to schedule your biannual roof inspection. With a little preparation, you’ll protect your family and your home while offsetting any potential surprises down the road.