Winter might be fairly moderate in Florida, but there are still some things to keep an eye on if you want to make sure your home or business is protected. The colder weather can still affect the makeup of your roof, even if there isn’t snow piling up and ice freezing. When the winter season arrives, there are a few seasonal things you can do to make sure your roof is well taken care of.
1. Fix Weather Stripping and Sealant
As the seasons change, any sealant or weatherstripping on your roof can start to strip and fall apart. For example, you may have sealant around chimneys, skylights, and other features to protect them from water and the elements. Keep in mind that replacing this sealant when it’s needed will help to keep your roof in good condition. Make sure to check to see if any of the sealant is damaged and might need to be fixed or redone by your Panama City Roofing Company.
2. Clear Any Debris
It’s critical to remove any debris that may have collected on your roof to ensure proper drainage during and after it rains. It will also help to prevent damage to your roof from debris building up and causing excess weight. Aesthetically, it keeps your roof looking more appealing as well. Clear any debris from your roof in a safely, preferably by using a professional roofing service.
3. Check the Flashing
Flashing is a thin material that professional roofers will use to direct water away from vital areas of your roof. If there is damaged flashing on your roof, it can leave your roof susceptible to leaks. More importantly, damaged flashing is one of the most common reasons for leaks in your roof. It’s a smart idea to check the flashing at least every year. Winter in Florida is the perfect time to do it since the weather is mild and hurricane season is over.
4. Check Your Shingles & Tiles
The tiles and shingles on your roof can completely break or loosen, especially during wind and rain storms, or strong winds. To check the condition of your properties roof, take a look at your shingles & tiles. Be on the lookout for any pieces that may be broken, cracked, loose, or even missing. You should only do this from the ground because it can be dangerous to get on your roof. For a closer look, call your roofing company in Panama City to schedule a roof inspection.
5. Survey Roof Valleys
A roof valley is formed where two sloped of your roof meet and where water collects to flow off the roof. If debris collects in roof valleys, it puts weight and pressure on them, sometimes causing them to wear away quicker than they need to. This can lead to leaks into your home, but not just water, outside air as well. When cold outside air is getting in, your home won’t be as energy efficient.
6. Clean Those Gutters
The gutters are there to help water drain off your roof, so it’s important that they are clear of any debris. Get rid of any leaves, branches, or other debris that might have built up over the last couple of months and could be blocking water from draining properly from your homes roof.
7. Trim Nearby Trees
Any tall bushes or trees that are close to your home can cause debris to collect on your roof and in your gutters. They also raise the risk of your home being hit by a loose or falling limbs. If you want to avoid damage to your roof, you should keep your trees trimmed back and away from your home.
8. Check the Insulation
The insulation in your roof helps to keep your home energy efficient. Whether you’re warming or cooling, you want to ensure that the air circulating in your home stays within it and that the air and moisture from outside stays outside. You can inspect the insulation in your attic to see if there’s enough of it and also to see if it needs to be replaced.
9. Schedule a Roof Inspection
There are some roof care jobs that you can take care of by yourself, but working on your roof can be dangerous and costly if you do it wrong. If you want to avoid the possibility of hurting yourself or causing more damage to your roof, it’s a good idea to schedule an inspection by a Florida State certified roofing contractor. A professional roofing company can take a proper look at your residential roof or commercial roof and find any problems, as well as repair them.
10. Roof Replacement
If you’ve been considering a roof replacement for a while, especially after a storm or Hurricane, the winter season could be the best time to do it. The seasonal weather is moderate, so you have plenty of time to replace your roof. If you’ve been having to make a lot of repairs lately, having it replaced entirely may be a better option.
Contact A&A Roofing Company, Inc for all of your residential and commercial needs. We are fully licensed and insured in the state of Florida with over 35 years of experience in the roofing industry. Call us today at (850) 271-4199 to schedule a free roofing estimate and consultation.
