Winterization Tips for Your Roof

and Home so you are ready for COLD!

As those last few colorful leaves fall to the ground, it’s time to turn our thoughts for what is next to come!  Wintertime in Middle Tennessee can be brutal on your roof and home!  Here are a few winterization tips for your roof and home!

Help Prepare Your Roof for Winter!

Tennessee winters are unpredictable at best!  Temperatures can range from warm and mild, to dramatic drops in temperatures with little warning!  As the temperatures plummet, you may throw on cozy sweatshirts to adjust for the cooler temperatures.  But don’t forget that your home also needs a few adjustments to prepare for the cooler weather.

These tips can be handled by a DIY homeowner, or you may prefer to hire a roofing contractor to complete these tasks!  Midsouth Construction Roofing Contractors are always happy to provide free roof inspections at no charge and give you peace of mind regarding the condition of your roof heading into winter!

TOP TEN WINTERIZATION TIPS FOR YOUR HOME!

Tip 1: Start At The Top! 

Look for missing shingles, mold, raised and loose shingle.  Missing shingles, along with raised shingles can allow water to penetrate into your home.  Any of the above-listed items should be considered a red flag regarding the condition of your roof.  We suggest you contact a qualified roofing contractor if you notice any of these items and need a roof repair!

Tip 2: Don’t Ignore Those Gutters

Clogged gutters mean disaster for your roof!  Check your gutters for holes and cracks that may prevent them from functioning properly.  Make sure to remove any debris from your gutters so that water can run freely through the gutters and into the downspouts away from your foundation.

Tip 3: Remove Overhanging Limbs

Trees and tall bushes add charm to your home’s exterior.  But overgrown branches rubbing against your roof are a disaster!  Make sure that you trim back all trees and bushes around your roofline before winter sets in.  Dead tree limbs can penetrate through your roof and cause costly damage during wind storms.

Tip 4: Step Into Your Attic

Most people fail to go into their attic and really inspect for roof problems on a regular basis. Look at the roof decking and check for minor leaks that may not be visible inside your home.  Also, check for adequate ventilation which is required for your roof to function properly.  You need to inspect attic spaces to ensure your attic is both insulated and ventilated.

Tip 5: Check Flashings

This one is best handled by a professional roofing contractor but some DIY people may want to tackle this on their own.  Secure any loose flashings.  Signs of damage or current leaking points may need to be replaced.  This is extremely important around chimneys and plumbing pipe jacks.  Replace any flashings that show signs of damage or leakage.

WINTERIZATION TIPS FOR YOUR ROOF AND HOME!

Tip 6: Chimney inspections are critical

Do not…do NOT…skip this step!

Having your chimney inspected by a professional roofing contractor or a chimney contractor is so important!  We are often contacted about a ” roof leak” which is actually a problem with the chimney itself or the chimney flashing.  Over time, the mortar in a brick chimney will decay and need to be tuck pointed.  Waterproofing around your brick is fairly common in older homes.  Chimney flashings are often not replaced at the time a new roof is installed and can lead to leaks down the road.

Tip 7: Pets do not live in your attic!

You may love to see little squirrels or raccoons scampering around your back yard.  But these little animals can quickly become PEST if they decide to take up residence in your attic!  As colder temperatures arrive, squirrels, mice, raccoons, and even birds may see your attic as a warm place to call home for the winter.  Leaving these animals to reside in the warmth of your attic can cause significant problems and extensive damage!

Tip 8:  Wrap Pipes and Outside Faucets! 

Exposed pipes and faucets can freeze quickly!  Take a few minutes to wrap any exposed pipes and cover your outside faucets with insulated covers!  Makes sure you hose pipes are disconnected!  A few minutes now can literally save you thousands of dollars in repairs!

Tip 9:  Change Your HVAC Filter!

This seems so simple but really makes a difference in the life of your HVAC unit AND your monthly bills!  A dirty filter makes it difficult for your HVAC system to generate warm heat into your room.  This puts unnecessary strain on your unit and also makes it work harder – costing you more money on your monthly bills!

Tip 10:  Turn Down Your Hot Water Heaters!

Most homes have the thermostat on the hot water heater set too high!  This will dramatically increase your electric bills.  By turning down your hot water heater you can save a lot of money every month on the cost to keep your water hot!

SIMPLE WINTERIZATIONS TIPS TO SAVE YOU MONEY

These simple winterization tips can give you peace of mind as winter approaches!  If you have any concerns regarding the condition of your roof, please contact MidSouth Construction Roofing Contractors today and request a free roof inspection!  We have built our business on providing honest and accurate roof inspections for homeowners and commercial property owners in middle Tennessee.

Nashville Roofer, Midsouth Construction, is committed to earning your business!  Contact us today and let us show you why we are the premier roofing company in our area!  And make sure to check out our reviews as a GAF Master Elite Roofing Contractor!

We hope you have enjoyed reading our top ten Winterization tips for your roof and home!  For more details on winterizing your home, check out Bob Villas post of other things you may want to do before winter strikes!