It’s that time of year again, the leaves have started to change and the temperature is dropping. In no time the cold weather of winter will be here. Now’s the time to prepare your home for the harsh temperatures ahead.

Many people don’t think about roof maintenance when they think about cold weather preparation, but maintaining your roof is one way to ensure that it stays in good condition for years to come. The roofing specialists at MHI Roofing offer tips on roofing maintenance and services that will help you stay ahead of the game.

Inspection and Removing Debris

First and foremost it is important to take a good look at your roof. You can do this one of two ways, climb up on the room (if you feel safe doing so) or use a pair of binoculars to get a closer look. If you do decide to climb up on your roof you may want to clear off any debris such as leaves, sticks, acorns and such. With all the debris cleared you will be able to get a clearer view to inspect for any small areas of damage that may have been covered up. Once this is done, it is a good idea to run through a mental checklist in your head. Do you see any major or minor damage? Are all the shingles in good condition, without any chips or frays? Are there any missing shingles?

If all looks good it is time to move on to the areas near the chimney and skylight if you have one and verify that the flashing is still in good condition. Flashing is thin pieces of material, usually metal, but also may be plastic, that are used as a weather resistant barrier preventing the passage of water into the structure of the home.

Gutter Cleaning

Next it’s a good idea to clean out your gutters, especially if you have an overhanging tree which has leaves and other materials that may fall from it. In most cases people tend to have a professional come out to clean the gutters because it is quick and efficient and minimizes the chance for accidents. It is no surprise that falls are the number one injury in or outside of the home. Although many may see it is a do-it-yourself project, it takes most nonprofessionals the greater portion of the afternoon to do and is one of the most common area for household accidents to occur. Professional gutter cleaners can usually complete the average home in three hours or less.

Attic Ventilation

One area of the home that is often overlooked is the attic. But it is just as important to inspect the ventilation and insulation in your attic as it is to inspect the other areas of your roof. Improper ventilation can lead to a buildup of moisture, which can then lead to structural issues. This type of inspection is best to be left to the pros. Having a roofing service come out and inspect these areas of your home will save you money in the long run by preventing problems that cost home owners thousands of dollars each year.

Once your roof is properly inspected and cleared of debris, you can rest assured this winter that your roof will protect you and your family from the harsh winter cold.