Is your home ready for winter? Before the weather starts to get cold, it’s a good idea to take a look at the state of your roof. Snow, ice, and tree branches could be in the forecast for your roof.

Here are some simple steps to follow to see if the top of your house is in tip-top shape.

Clean it

The first step you can take is to clear your roof of any debris, leaves, and twigs. This keeps the gutters from filling up and causing damage to the siding from excess weight. Go ahead and clean out the gutters as well. When gutters fill up with debris, they can damage a home and create unnecessary hazards. In the winter months, rain, snow, and ice will be falling on the roof. When the precipitation runs over the gutter instead of down the drain, dangerous icicles can form along the edge of a roof.

Examine it

After the roof has been cleaned, take a close look to see if it has sustained any damage. Watch out for frayed edges, lifting and curling shingles and flashing, and any missing shingles or bare spots you think shouldn’t be there. These problem areas can allow leaks, and it’s best to repair them before major damage occurs.

Go ahead and check the surrounding area for any potential threats like dead branches or a high concentration of overhanging trees, too. Most Oklahomans know what happens to trees in an ice storm, so be sure to keep branches trimmed back away from your roof.

Tune it

It is about to be very cold outside, and you won’t want all that cold coming inside your home. Check that your vents are clear and that you have a well-insulated attic. Depending on what kind of insulation you have, your roof may need anywhere from 14 to 18 inches. Older homes tend to require more insulation as well, so it is important to get a professional opinion.

In addition to these steps, you should also learn about possible winter threats like ice dams, sideways rain, and strong winds. Ice dams cause a similar issue to clogged gutters, but in this case the gutter is full of ice and can cause leaks in your roof. Strong winds and sideways rain can lift up edges and allow water inside the roof.

If you are concerned about your roof, Land Enterprises Roofing offers a free roof inspection. We also offer preventative maintenance plans for both residential and commercial roofs. For more information, email info@landroofingokc.com.