Is your roof ready for winter?

Is your roof ready for winter?

There are many different climates in our country but here in Sacramento, the most common roof leaks are caused by debris left on the roof. We annually get about 20 inches of rain, so when debris like leaves and branches that are left on the roof, it can clog up the valley’s, rain gutters and causing all types of problems. If you can imagine the street gutters on heavy rain.

When there are piles of leaves it can dam up the street gutters and build a little lake behind the dam, causing water to creep into places it was not meant to go. The main areas these leaks will enter is your chimney, valley, skylight, and pipe flashings. The best way to remove these leaves and other debris is a leaf blower. Starting from the top of the roof and blowing the leaves downward and off the roof.

When accessing a roof you should use personal fall protection. Windy and wet conditions are not a good time to walk on a roof. In fact, this job is best left to a roofing professional.

Another concern is the overgrowth of branches near the roof. When the wind blows it can rip and tear up an asphalt roof in a short period of time. This will expose the felt or worse rip both the shingles and the felt apart and leaving the plywood unprotected. Trim back this branch so they do not scrape the roof.

Also while on the roof look for loose shingles or shingles that have become detached and just laying there. This overall look at your roof this fall can relieve you of much grief this winter.

Good luck and be safe.

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