The roof of your home is one of the most important parts of the structure.  When you have problems with the roof, you will find problems in a number of other areas.  This can also result in mold or water damage.

To minimize the potential damage in the winter months, you need to take care of your roof.  Keeping it in the best possible condition is vital and will help you avoid costly repairs in the future.  A round of maintenance before the winter weather hits will save you a lot of money. If you are need of a professional visit this Frisco roofer website. There are some tasks that you should take care of while the weather is mild.

Prevent Ice Dams

When your gutters are clogged, ice dams will form in the winter.  The gutter will hold water and moisture which freezes when it is cold.  Over time, the ice that has formed will damage your roof and prevent new snowfall from melting completely and running through the gutter.

To prevent this, you need to ensure your gutters are clean and water is able to easily flow through.  Checking this can reduce the chance of ice dams and the damage they bring.

Attic ventilation and insulation will also help reduce the chances of ice dams.  The warm air that comes from the ceiling will melt the snow causing water to run down the roof.  This water will freeze and form ice dams.

Fix Any Leaks

Are there any leaks in your roof or the attic?  Do you have any shingles that are cracked, missing or damaged?  If the answer is yes, you need to fix the leaks. 

You should take the time to check the roof for any shingles that have to be replaced.  Using a flashlight, you can check your attic for any water stains and dripping.  If you do not take care of the leaks, the moisture from snow will get into your home and the heated air will leak out.

Check The Flashing

After damaged shingles, damaged flashing is the primary cause of leaks in the roof.  The flashing is what connects your roof to the other components such as the chimney, windows, vents, and skylights. 

You need to take the time to inspect your flashing and see that it is in good condition.  If the flashing needs to be replaced, it will have to be installed properly or you will have leaks.

Look For Sagging Roof Areas

Take a look at the roofline and look for any sagging or bending.  If you look at the roof from inside your home, you should look for any inward sagging in the attic. 

If your roof does have sagging, you need to hire a professional to inspect it.  They will be able to recommend the best solution.  You might also need your roof framing structure assessed by a framing carpenter or an architect.  The sagging roof has to be repaired before winter as the weight of the snow and ice and make the problem worse.

Trim Your Trees

Are there are trees or branches touching or close to your roof?  If the answer is yes, you need to trim the trees and the branches.  If there is any severe weather, the branches can fall onto the roof and cause extensive damage.