The Ultimate Guide To Prepare Your Metal Roof For Winter
With the end of the year coming up, you know that the winter season is right around the corner. Although the weather is hard to predict accurately, we know what we can expect from our beautiful state of Arkansas: rain and snow.
Even though Arkansas receives more rain than snow during winter, you should never take it for granted. Last year, 20 inches of snow covered multiple cities thanks to a big snowstorm, and temperatures dropped down to 30℉!
Will your roof be able to handle whatever crazy weather this winter has prepared? Check out these tips on how to get your roof ready to get through any precipitation that might come on this season.
Clean Your Gutters
Gutters are an essential part of your roof. These can easily get clogged by dead leaves, debris, heavy snow, and other outside residuals, leading to several problems, especially during the winter months.
Throughout winter, gutters are supposed to help rainfall and melted snow go down and away from your roof. When these are clogged, you may experience water pooling on your roof, which will lead to leaks and water damage inside your house.
Gutter inspection and cleaning must be done at least twice a year, especially during the fall season. You can hire a professional or do it yourself as long as you take all the safety precautions and have the necessary knowledge to do a good job. You can also have a gutter guard installed to limit the amount of debris that falls in.
Check The Flashing
Flashing is made of aluminum or galvanized metal, and it works as a protective mechanism to direct water off the roof and prevent it from going into the home structure. It can be located along the intersections of the roof, on the joints, on the edges of skylights, and on the areas where the chimney interconnects.
Extremely cold temperatures, rain, storms, and strong winds can cause the flashing to loosen, tear, uplift, and corrode. You should make sure that all parts are properly sealed, and if there are any loose pieces, replace them by visiting a metal roofing materials store.
Examine Your Sheets
Just like the flashing, sheets can experience wear and tear over time, especially if your roof has many years behind it. Some very noticeable signs of overworn sheets are:
- Rust
- Damaged paint
- Leaks and holes
Once you notice this, you should consider getting them replaced. A simple roof repair of just some of the damaged sheets will only give you a short-term solution and can further lead to damage or even the need to have your entire roof replaced. Remember that using high-quality roofing materials will guarantee better results, which is why you must look for the best metal roofing suppliers.
Don’t Forget About Your Attic
The attic is an important part of your roof preparation for winter. When there’s no proper ventilation, the heat inside your home will escape out, and the cold air will come in. This will not only increase your energy bills but also cause the shingles to curl and lead to formations of ice dams on your roof as the snow melts.
To avoid this, check if your attic has a good and evenly distributed insulation or a ventilation system that allows the air to flow. If not, don’t hesitate to assess the situation and keep warm and safe during this upcoming cold season.
Get Ready For Winter With Us
Whether it’s sheets or gutters, we’ve got everything you need to prepare your roof from the crazy winter weather at Metal Roofing Supply. We’ve got high-quality tools and materials to get the job done yourself or through a contractor. No matter how big or small the job is, high-quality materials ensure long-term positive results.
Our stores can be found almost anywhere in Arkansas as the #1 metal roofing distributors. No need to panic! You still have time to invest in your roof and spend a happy holiday season without any unpleasant surprises.