Overlooking roof care and maintenance in the fall can lead to trouble when snow and ice show up. Your roof plays an important role in keeping your home safe in all kinds of weather. Without the proper attention, you could find yourself looking for emergency roof repair in Wichita.
Luckily, there are steps you can take to avoid finding yourself in this situation. Here’s some advice for winter roof prep from the professionals at Shamrock Roofing and Construction. We’re the local experts to lean on whenever you have roofing challenges.
Schedule a Roof Inspection
One of the first steps to take in winter roof preparation is to schedule a roof inspection with a qualified roofing company in Wichita. Expert roofers are trained to identify even the slightest defect and will know exactly how to tackle any issues that are brewing before they escalate. An inspection report gives you lots of information about the current health of your roof and provides you with the lead time to plan accordingly for any repairs or maintenance that needs to be done.
Many roofing companies, including Shamrock Roofing, offer a free roof inspection to are homeowners. Make sure you ask about that when you call to schedule.
Clean the Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters are a common culprit when it comes to needing residential roof repair in Wichita. That’s because when gutters are full of dirt and debris, water is absorbed into the mess and can’t escape. This can lead to standing water, which often backs up under shingles and causes roof leaks. These can damage not only the roof but also the rooms below.
Your roof is especially vulnerable in the winter because of snow and ice. Besides cleaning out the gutters, you might also have your roofer inspect the overall health of your guttering system. Over time, troughs and downspouts can come loose, crack, or pull loose from the house, rendering them ineffective. It makes good financial and safety sense to have a roofer do a once-over of your guttering system before the snow flies.
Dust Off the Pruning Shears
Another leading reason for roof repair calls in Wichita stems from punctures or shingle damage after a heavy winter storm. Usually, these damages are caused by the impact of falling debris (loose branches, falling tree limbs, etc.). These hazards can seriously damage a roof. However, it’s easy to avoid this situation with some simple landscape maintenance.
Experts on roofing in Wichita recommend giving your home a minimum 15-foot safety zone. That means cutting back limbs and branches that overhang or touch the house within this space. You might also consider hiring an arborist to trim any dead branches or limbs that could cause problems later. This preventative strategy minimizes the chances that a falling limb will damage your roof during a winter storm.
Keep the Pests Away
In the winter, critters are anxious to dodge the elements and find a space to keep warm for the season. Unfortunately, a nice, warm roof often serves as a winter home for small rodents and other pests that can damage a roof. Have a trusted roofing company in Wichita patch holes and gaps in your roofing structure so that your home isn’t a magnet for varmints. Make sure they have to look elsewhere for refuge.
Need Help with Winter Roof Prep? Call Shamrock Roofing and Construction
Shamrock Roofing and Construction is your go-to roofer in the Wichita area. With over 40 years of experience in the roofing industry, we know a thing or two when it comes to prepping the roof before winter sets in. We’re happy to answer questions and help get your roof winter-ready. Contact us today to schedule a free roof inspection. That’s the first step!