Florida winter temperatures may not get anywhere near as cold as other states, but winter all over the United States is particularly harsh on roofs, even in warmer climates. Moreover, harsh winds can impact homes and their features -especially roofs. Roofing systems are complex; they’re designed to protect structures from inclement weather and pests while providing insulation properties. Once damaged, roofs can be expensive to repair. That’s why it’s important to maintain your roof for every season, including Florida’s winters. With proper roof maintenance and property care, fully protect your home and support your roof’s longevity. Here, we’ll explore how to prepare your roof for a Florida winter.
TRIM TREES / MAINTAIN LANDSCAPING
Dead or dying tree limbs can easily be knocked away by heavy winds or powerful cold fronts. These can fall atop roofs or even be hurled against them by the wind and cause substantial roof damage. Many homeowners prefer to tackle tree trimming tasks on their own because it can be expensive to hire a professional service. However, tall trees may require the services of a contractor who’ll arrive with the necessary tools and equipment to perform the job expertly and safely.
Additionally, be sure to inspect the health of all the trees on the property, especially those located near the home. It’s not uncommon for storms to down dead or diseased trees at any time of the year. It’s better to remove these trees yourself before that can pose a property risk. Each year, falling trees cause hundreds of thousands of dollars in property insurance costs. If a tree falls on your roof, there’s a strong possibility that not only the entire roof will require replacing, but the structure beneath it will too.
You can better protect your roof and home from falling limbs and trees this winter by hiring a professional service to trim or cut down trees for you or you can tackle these tasks yourself if you have the proper know-how and equipment.
CLEAN GUTTERS
Cleaning your gutters is another necessary pre-winter task. Debris in gutters can pile up over time. Dirt, leaves, twigs, and decaying organic matter can actually clog your gutters and prevent the flow of water. Winter rains can quickly pool behind gutter clogs and spill up onto the roof and over the gutters to puddle around foundations. Neither of these outcomes is good. When water sits on your roof and doesn’t drain properly away from the home, it can cause mold and moisture damage. If your roof shingles aren’t allowed to dry and remain exposed to water, they can more quickly deteriorate.
Many people clean their own gutters or invest in gutter guards to reduce the risk for clogs. You can also hire a service to provide gutter cleaning for you. Because the weather is typically more pleasant in the fall, it’s a good time to perform gutter-cleaning tasks–and it will help you prepare your roof for winter.
SCHEDULE A ROOF INSPECTION
Winter is not a good time to discover that you have a roof problem. To ensure that your roof is in optimum condition and ready to protect your home this winter, it’s helpful to schedule a roof inspection. Massey Construction Group specializes in roof repair and replacement. We routinely provide thorough roof inspection services.
During a roof inspection, an experienced roofing contractor will get up on your roof to look for signs of wear or disrepair. If there are loose shingles or missing flashing, the problems can be fixed before winter arrives. Your inspector can also help you gauge the longevity of your roof. If shingles have begun to curl or more than one leak has occurred, you may want to consider a time frame for your roof replacement if it’s nearing its span or is in a substantial state of disrepair.
CHECK THE ATTIC
If you’re concerned about your roof’s condition and ability to protect your home this winter, check your attic for signs of moisture damage. If your roof is in sound condition, your attic should be dry and without any trace of mold or mildew. Additionally, you should also search for any signs of pests. If there’s a hole in your attic, it’s not unlikely for an unwanted critter or insects to find it–and they’re more likely to when temperatures begin to get cold. Attic pests or moisture damage are often signs that roof repairs are needed.
ROOF REPAIRS OR REPLACEMENT
If you uncover any roof damage during your inspections, you’ll want to repair it before winter arrives. Because the roof is a major system of your home and supports its property value, it’s a good idea to allow a certified construction service or roofing company to handle your repairs. They can inspect the issues and provide you with a quote for the job so you know what to pay upfront.
On the other hand, if your roof has suffered a lot of damage and is nearing its span–or is at its span–you might want to have your roof replaced. Many roofing companies can tackle these types of jobs quickly over just a couple days. Although homeowners may not be eager to invest in a new roof, it’s important to remember that this feature is essential for protecting your home, and a new roof not only supports home value, but can even add to it.
Massey Construction Group helps clients select the ideal roofing system and materials for their homes and budget. Then, we can source the materials and schedule a date for the roof replacement. We have a reputation for our high-quality workmanship and excellent customer service.
As you prepare your home for winter, be sure to contact Massey Construction Group to schedule your roof’s inspection. If you choose to have your roof replaced this year, we can manage the job from start to finish. Call us to learn more about our professional roofing solutions.
