Tips to Prepare Your Home and Roofing in Grand Rapids Michigan for Winter

The weather here in Michigan is starting to get colder and soon snow and freezing temperatures will be upon us. Making sure your home is ready for the cold weather ahead may take a little bit of preparation now but it can pay off huge later. Avoiding costly home repairs and roof repairs in Grand Rapids Michigan by properly preparing can save you a lot of money. Not only that you can rest assured your home is ready for another Michigan winter.

Tips to Prepare Your Home and Roofing in Grand Rapids Michigan for Winter

When the winter gets here in full force it can make getting your roof repaired more expensive. Roofs covered with snow and ice are dangerous and we must take steps to protect ourselves from falls and other problems during the winter. And if you need a complete roof replacement on your home it’s always best to get that roof replacement done during warmer weather instead of during the colder months. Although you can still get a roof replacement during winter, it’s best and less expensive during warmer months.

Keeping your roof in great shape means taking a few proactive steps. Although we don’t advise anyone to go onto their roofs, regularly checking some of these items from the ground is advised. With that being said, here are some tips and things you can do to get your roof ready for winter:

Clearing the Ventilation

Although you may not think that ventilation on the roof during colder months don’t matter, they actually do. Sometimes animals can build nests in vents and stop them from performing as they should. If you have mechanical vents that move make sure they aren’t stuck and for electrical attic fans or other type of electrical ventilation for the home make sure it is working properly. You’ll also want to check in the attic to ensure none of the exterior vents are blocked by boxes. Your vents should allow air to flow freely without any type of obstacles in the way.

Clearing Your Gutters

Another area to pay close attention to on the roof is the gutters on the home. While many people never really consider gutters as a problem on the roof it can lead to all sorts of damage. Clogged gutters don’t allow water to exit the roof as it should which can lead to all sorts of problems. One of the biggest of these problems is a roof ice dam. Water collecting at the eaves of your home can freeze in colder weather and it only gets bigger as more and more ice forms. This additional weight can be a problem by itself but when the warmer home air is melting the ice underneath it can lead to a roof leak. You may even have fascia boards and gutters get ripped away from the home because of the additional weight of the ice and snow on them.

Having Your Chimney Serviced or Checked

If you have a chimney that is used regularly make sure it is properly checked before operating. Check the flue and piping and always have proper safety testing and detectors on hand. If the chimney is not performing as it should it can get very hot and then cold when not in use. this expanding and contracting can lead to roof leaks around the chimney. It’s best to get your chimney checked at least once per year, preferably before using the first time each season.

Trim Back Trees That Can Be Problematic

Trees can be a major problem for roofing. Fallen tree branches can lead to roof leaks if they puncture the roofing surface. But also when ice forms on trees they can get weighted down and contact the roof as well. This contact may not seem like much of a problem but it can scrub away the granules from the shingles causing your shingles to age prematurely and evenly fail. Trimming trees and keeping your roof clear of trees and branches is a great way to keep it maintained.

Get a Roof Inspection

It’s always best to get a licensed roofer to come out and inspect your roof each year. That way if there are any problems that need to be dealt with you have a professional roofer that can do so before winter gets here. Here at Grand Rapids Home Pros we can inspect your roof and if needed we can repair and replace your roof. Contact us today to set up a roof inspection appointment for your home.