Winter is just around the corner, and in areas of the United States like Illinois, that means preparing your home for the harsh weather known to hit the Midwest from the end of November through the month of March. Your roof in particular takes the brunt of the elemental wear and tear, but there are many ways you can ready your home before the temperatures begin to drop.
RS Five, LLC is a trusted roofing contractor in Glenview that has been helping homeowners keep their homes protected since 2017, when we first opened our doors. Below are some of our most important pieces of advice to ensure that your roof is prepared to handle the snow, ice and freezing temperatures projected to accompany winter this year.
Schedule a Preemptive Inspection
First and foremost, we recommend scheduling a professional roof inspection this fall while the weather is still mild. Even if your roof seems to be functioning just fine, the smallest cracks in your materials can become exacerbated by winter weather if left unattended. Instead of signing yourself up for major roof fixes or a complete roof replacement come spring, make sure to have any minor problems dealt with before the weather starts to turn.
Trim Overhanging Tree Branches
If your yard consists of beautiful, sprawling oak and maple trees, you may enjoy the shade and aesthetic they provide you during certain times of the year, but depending on how close the trees are to your home, they may become an issue during the winter months. When snow accumulates on tree branches, they can become heavy and break off and crash into your roof, potentially causing damage, holes, and other types of issues.
Check Attic Ventilation & Insulation
Another important aspect of your roofing system you'll want to check on before winter is the attic ventilation and insulation. While it may be obvious that you'll want to ensure your home is properly insulated ahead of freezing temperatures, many forget that ventilation is just as important. If your roof isn't able to ventilate itself, all the snow and ice that accumulates on top of your home is more susceptible to melting and finding its way inside your home.
Keep an Eye on Ice Dam Formations
During the winter, the constant freeze-thaw cycles can lead to snow and ice continually melting and refreezing down at your roofline, sometimes leading to the formation of ice dams. Ice dams can wreak havoc on homes, often leading to disastrous issues like:
- Destroyed Roofing Shingles
- Blocked Gutters and Downspouts
- Structural Damage to Framework
- Moisture Damage Inside Your Home
- Damaged Insulation Materials
To avoid any damage from ice dams, keep an eye on your roof throughout the winter months and call in a professional to remove them when needed.
RS Five is equipped and prepared to help homeowners ready their Glenview-area homes ahead of winter. If you need a few roof repairs done, you can count on our roofers to utilize premium materials from leading brands, including GAF, Owens Corning, DaVinci and CertainTeed. This way, the repairs we make won't just act as a band-aid on top of a persistent issue—our repairs will help restore the integrity of your roof.
With over 25 years of combined experience on our team, it's no wonder we've remained the preferred roofing company among homeowners in the region. Get in touch with RS Five today to learn even more about all that we can do, to receive a free estimate on our roofing services, and to schedule a roof inspection before the snow starts to fall.
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