Preparing Your Maine Roof for Winter
Maine is known for its frigid cold and heavy snowfall throughout the long winter season. These harsh winter weather conditions can wreak havoc on your roof if you’re not prepared. That’s why Home Roofing Solutions offers tips and solutions for winter roof preparation in Maine. The best time to start preparing your roof for inclement winter weather is before winter arrives. We recommend reaching out to us in the fall for our roofing services that will have your roof ready to take on snow and ice all winter long. Reach out to us by phone or by filling out our online form to start the conversation.
Gutter & Roof Cleaning In the Fall
When autumn arrives, leaves will start to fall from the trees that call your Maine property home. If these trees are located close to your home, you may end up with leaves piling up on your roof or clogging your gutters. To avoid blockages that may lead to leaks when dealing with snowmelt in the winter, you should clean your gutters before seasons change. Another way to avoid clogged gutters is to install gutter guards. Gutter guards will protect your gutters from debris such as leaves so water can flow freely throughout your gutter system. You can perform this on your own or hire a professional to help.
Having your roof, itself, cleaned is also a good idea. You can use a leaf blower or climb on top of your roof to remove debris, or you can reach out to a roofing company to take care of this for you in preparation for winter.
Pre-Winter Roof Inspection
Getting your roof inspected prior to the onset of winter weather will help ensure your roof is ready to take on the rain, snow, and ice. Roofers like those at Home Roofing Solutions will check for any damaged or missing shingles that could lead to leaks if snow piles up and melts on your roof. We’ll also take a look at the flashing to ensure it’s properly installed and secure. If needed, you can get waterproofing measures performed including additional caulking or roof cement.
Attic Insulation & Ventilation Check
Your roof is also partly responsible for keeping you warm in your home as temperatures drop. Insulation in your attic can help in this effort. On the flipside, the insulation in your attic will keep your shingles at the right temperature, which is key when it comes to preventing ice damming. An ice dam is a buildup of ice on your roof’s edge preventing melted snow from flowing into the gutters like it should. When the water has nowhere else to go, it may cause damage to your shingles or even leak into your home. Improved attic insulation can help avoid this issue. Ventilation also helps reduce the accumulation of moisture in your attic, and, therefore, your home’s framing. Checking both your insulation and ventilation in your attic is key to weatherproofing your home and its roof for winter.
Metal Roofing is a Great Roof for Winter Weather
Getting metal roofing installed on your home is a great way to protect it from winter conditions. Here are some top reasons why you might consider installing a metal roof if you’re in the market for a roof replacement:
- Non-Porous: Rather than absorbing water as snow melts, a metal roof will allow the snow, ice, and water to slide right off instead of accumulating.
- Durable: Metal roofing can withstand high winds, making it a great option to hold up to winter storms in Maine.
- Resistant to Ice Dams: Since snow can fall off the roof instead of building up on top of the house, you’ll be less likely to have ice dams develop.
- Improved Insulation: Metal roofing offers fantastic insulation, which is great for the winter months. This insulation is also key in preventing ice damming.
Contact Us
If you have any further questions about winter roof preparation in Maine, reach out to Home Roofing Solutions by giving us a call or filling out our online contact form.
