Preparing Your Roof for Winter in Colorado

A roof is one of the most important parts of your property. It protects the structure from harsh elements such as wind, rain, hail, snow and ice. Preparing your roof for winter weather can prevent major damage and save you money.

Inspect Your Roof for Damage 

Following summer and fall, it is important to inspect your roof for cracks, storm damage, loose shingles, leaks and more. In some cases, home and building owners can identify loose shingles and clogs in the gutters and downspouts from the ground. However, the Colorado Roofing Association recommends hiring a professional local roofing contractor to perform inspections from the roof to ensure the safety of the homeowner and to confirm that the roof is in good condition. 

Clean Debris Out Of Your Gutters

Clogged gutters can cause damage to your property. When gutters are clogged, rain and melted snow cannot drain properly which can lead to a buildup of standing water. This can cause interior leaks and shorten the lifespan of your roof. In addition, the extra weight of the debris and water can bend your gutters or tear them away from the roof.

Clean Debris Off Of Your Roof

Debris such as leaves, tree limbs and pine needles can be found on your roof, even if you can't see them from the ground below. This debris can add moisture to the roof’s surface causing your roof to rot. Cleaning off your roof can be dangerous. The Colorado Roofing Association recommends hiring a professional roofing company to assist with the process.

Check Your Attic Insulation and Ventilation

It is important to ensure that your attic insulation and ventilation are in good condition.Proper attic insulation will evenly distribute heat. If the insulation is not in good condition, heat can escape. If heat escapes, it can cause buildup underneath the roofing material which can lead to damage. In addition, improper attic ventilation can allow heat to become trapped inside your attic which can turn into condensation, resulting in ice dams or even mold. 

Hire a Professional Roofing Contractor to Perform Your Winter Maintenance and Inspections

The Colorado Roofing Association’s goal is to help home and building owners make informed decisions about replacing and maintaining their roof systems. Unfortunately, not all roofing contractors are legitimate. Choosing the wrong contractor  can lead to additional expenses, delayed completion of projects, poor workmanship and even legal problems.

Visit TrustedColoradoRoofers.com to educate yourself on hiring a reputable, local roofing contractor and use the Colorado Roofing Association membership database to search member contractors in your area. 

Concerned about COVID-19?

In order to respect the safety of customers, many roofing contractors are conducting roof repairs and consultations without direct contact. Companies are leveraging different tools and technologies such as email and video chat and will give homeowners a timeframe for a no-contact inspection where the contractor will go directly on the roof, keeping within the six-foot social distancing recommendation. 

Learn more about the Colorado Roofing Association and its membership database online at ColoradoRoofing.org. 

Disclosure:  The CRA is not a consumer agency and can not handle disputes between consumers and contractors. Please review the content in this site for general information about how to select a professional roofing contractor. For specific disputes, please contact the Better Business Bureau nearest you.