As winter approaches, you may be concerned about the potential snow and ice and how it may affect your cedar roof.
You want to make sure your roof is in good shape before the beginning of winter and before the first big snow. This way, you can protect your roof before any damage is done and so that you don’t have to deal with the interference of slick ice or heavy snow that has already fallen on your roof. Here are the steps you can take to ensure your roof is ready for the harsh winter.
1. Inspect the Cedar Shakes
The first step is a general inspection of the cedar shakes. Any loose shingles or curled or cracked shakes are sure to tear off when the first good winter storm hits. You’re going to want to replace or secure them before that happens.
2. Examine the Other Parts of the Roof
Once you have inspected the shakes, you are also going to want to carefully look at the rest of the roof, specifically the flashing, vents, chimney and deck for any leaks, tears, deterioration or separation from the roof. Worn out joints, caulking or pieces of the roof frame are also issues you should address at this time.
3. Clear Leaves and Other Debris From the Roof
Next, if you have a roof valley — or a depression where two sloping roof areas meet — or if you have several of such valleys, you are going to want to clear out all the leaves, branches and other debris that might have collected in them. If you do not clean these valleys, snow will easily collect in them. Then, as the snow melts, it's easy for the water to leak down into your home.
4. Clean the Gutters
Finally, clean those gutters! It can be a hassle, but clogged gutters can spell disaster, especially when it snows. If your gutters are full of leaves, branches and other debris, they will not allow proper drainage of rainwater, and they will not permit melting snow to drain correctly, either.
Clogged gutters can also lead to ice dams and can even become damaged if too much snow and ice are allowed to collect in them.
Benefits of Calling a Professional
While you can certainly try to winterize your cedar roof yourself, many people find that calling a professional is a much better idea, for a number of reasons. For one, a professional cedar roof expert is much more likely to notice a problem with your cedar roof, whether it is curling shingles, deteriorating caulking or a potentially bad leak. In addition, crawling around on your roof trying to inspect it presents a safety issue. Even if you are very careful, you are operating from a significant height. Why not let a professional trained in safe roofing techniques take the risk instead?
You'll save time and effort when you have a professional take care of your cedar roof winterization. While you may save a little on the costs if you try to do it yourself, the benefits of professional work tend to outweigh the expense.
Call Cedar Roof Coatings in Fairfield County, Westchester County and the Hamptons
If your home is in Fairfield County, CT, Westchester County, NY or the Hamptons, the company to call to winterize your cedar roof is Cedar Roof Coatings. We are the industry experts and can give your roof exactly what it needs to look great and protect your home throughout the winter. To get started with a free estimate please contact us today.