17 Nov Prepping Your Home for Indiana Winters
Winter is knocking on the door — and before you start thinking about stringing the Christmas lights up, you might want to be sure your home’s exterior is set up for the harsh conditions ahead. Winter can wreak havoc on your home’s roofing system, and without proper preparation, you could find yourself spending your next vacation fund on costly repairs! To help you get your home ready before it’s too late, here are our Dos and Don’ts for winterizing your home’s exterior:
DO: Check your roofline
You don’t always have to get on a ladder to see signs of damage. Inspecting your home’s roofline can give clues that your roof might be compromised. Your rooflines should be straight, so any signs of sagging or dipping need to be attended to immediately. Sagging roof lines aren’t an immediate cause of concern on their own, but could be a sign of leaking and deterioration that should be addressed before winter hits.
DON’T: Forget about the attic
In most cases, the first signs of a leaking roof can be found in your attic. Signs of leakage include water spots on the walls, wet roof decking and puddles of water on the attic floor. If you discover any evidence of water damage in your roofing system, schedule a professional roof inspection so that you can get your roof back into top condition before the winter storms arrive.
DO: Clean out your gutters
Your gutters are a catch-all for leaves, sticks and other debris. Make sure to thoroughly clean them out to allow snowmelt and rainwater to drain properly during these winter months. It also might be the right time to think about replacing your gutter system. When it snows, the added weight can cause weak gutters to break and fall. If you think your gutters are compromised, call a professional out to discuss repair and replacement options.
DON’T: Ignore your chimney
Inspecting your chimney flashing is crucial to be sure that Santa will have a dry entry into your house this season. Chimney flashing is the strip of metal that seals the intersection of the chimney and your roof, and is one of the most common spots for roof leaks to develop. Things to look for include loose or damaged flashings and cracked or deteriorated caulk. If you notice signs of water damage around your chimney, there is a good chance you have a leak!
DO: Call a professional for a roof inspection
Roof damage can go from needing a simple repair to requiring a total roof replacement very quickly. If you have any concerns about your roof or don’t feel comfortable inspecting it yourself, schedule a professional roof inspection. A professionally-trained roofer can identify signs of leaks and damage that are invisible to an untrained eye and help you prepare the outside of your home so you can stay safe and warm inside all winter long!