As a homeowner, the best thing you can do for your home is to be proactive. After a rainy spring or hot summer in Tulsa, OK, it is important to take certain steps to ensure that your roof is ready for the winter season. The weather in Oklahoma is unpredictable, and it is impossible to tell how bad the winters will be. It’s better to be prepared now than to have to deal with roof damage later! Here are four steps to take to prepare your roof for winter.
#1 Check Your Roof
Inspecting your roof is the first step; however, it might sound easier said than done. You might be wondering what a roof inspection looks like and what specific areas of your roof are worth inspecting. When performing a winter roof inspection, you should look at the following areas:
- Check for any leaks. Tornado season in Oklahoma is no joke and can result in damage to your roof that might go unnoticed for an extended period of time. If you notice any signs of roof damage or leaks, give our Lewis Roofing team a call immediately.
- Check for loose shingles. It is important to look for any loose, missing, or damaged shingles during the inspection. Repairing missing shingles is important to prevent water damage from occurring inside your home. If you notice signs that your shingles might be damaged or missing all together, our team at Lewis Roofing can easily help with repairs.
- Inspect the flashing. In order to direct moisture away from sensitive areas of your roof, companies like Lewis Roofing will install flashing. Usually made out of steel, flashing is a thin piece of metal that protects critical areas of your roof. When inspecting, check for bent, rusted, or damaged flashing.
- Inspect the sealant. Most roofs usually have asphalt sealant to keep certain features of your roof in place. Always inspect the area around your roof to look for any dried, cracked, or missing sealant.
We understand how busy life can get, and in most cases, inspecting your roof is not a top priority. If you are in need of a roof inspection, call Lewis Roofing. Our team offers free roof inspections for homes and businesses in the greater Tulsa area.
#2 Check Your Gutters
Most homeowners don’t particularly enjoy checking or cleaning out the gutters of their home, though, it is crucial for the health of your roof. Gutters clogged with debris can easily result in water accumulation and subsequent water damage to your home as rain and snow will have no way of draining away from your roof. To avoid this issue, it is important to clean out your gutters at least once a year. Keeping them clear of any leaves or debris, such as tree limbs, etc. can help prevent the gutters from clogging too quickly. If you choose to clean your gutters on your own, please take necessary measures to stay safe.
#3 Carry Out Any Repairs
If you discover damage to your shingles, flashing, sealant, gutters, or other areas of your roof, make sure to call our team at Lewis Roofing. Our crew is the primary choice for residential and commercial roofing repairs. We provide free roof replacement estimates and can respond to your roofing emergency 24/7. We specialize in a prompt, professional response and are the trusted professional for most school systems, and disaster restoration companies in the Tulsa area.
#4 Protect and Insulate Your Home
You might wonder, what does insulation have to do with my roof? The answer is quite simple. Not only does insulating your home help with keeping the heat inside your home during the cold winter months, but it also keeps the surface of your shingles colder. This is key to preventing ice dams from appearing and causing damage to your property. Call a roofing professional to inspect your insulation and ventilation of your home to take the extra step in protecting your roof this winter.
Preparing your roof for the winter is crucial and it shouldn’t be done at the last minute. These four steps can help guide you during your roof inspection, but it might also give you insight to what roofing professionals look for during their inspections. If you are needing help preparing your roof for the colder months, give our Lewis Roofing team a call today!
