Prepare your roof for a Denver winter

In Colorado, we prepare for winter. We winterize our cars. We drain and store hoses, blow out sprinkler systems, have our furnaces checked and perhaps caulk or apply weather-stripping around doors and windows.

What about your roof, gutters and downspouts? They’re often overlooked, but shouldn’t be. Some routine preventive maintenance could save you from major repair bills. Fixing a leaky roof, repairing damaged gutters or downspouts and eliminating water build-up from faulty drainage could save you hundreds, maybe thousands of dollars.

No question your winterizing projects should include roof maintenance. You can inspect gutters and downspouts yourself and, if you’re comfortable doing it, the roof too.  Of course, you should only do it safely, wearing solidly fastened shoes having non-skid soles. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, don’t be a hero or try to save a few bucks.  Hire a professional roofing company. The peace of mind is well worth the cost.

Roof maintenance takes place both inside and outside.  Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or hire a roofing professional, here’s what you should be checking:

Outdoor Roof Winterizing

• Trim back overgrown vegetation.
• Inspect / clean / repair loose gutters and downspouts. Wet leaves remaining in the gutters over winter add significant weight to the gutter when frozen and increase the risk of damage.
• Check roof for missing or damaged shingles and have them replaced.
• Apply roofing cement under loose asphalt shingles to secure.
• Check flashing - the metal pieces used to waterproof interruptions in the roof plane, such as pipes, chimneys, skylights, etc. - which are often the source of leaks. Secure flashing to siding or other surface and reapply roofing cement.
• If you get up on the roof to remove snow with a shovel or similar tool, be careful that you don’t damage the roofing materials. NEVER use an ice pick to remove ice build up.
• Yes, heat tape works, but be careful and buy a high quality product. Heat tapes have been known to catch fire and burn down houses. Also be careful about how you install it. You don’t want to poke a bunch of holes in your roof.

Indoor Roof Winterizing

• Check vents and clear any obstructions. If vents are blocked, heat and moisture will build up in your attic causing damage to your roof and support beams.
• You should have one square foot each of intake and exhaust ventilation for every 300 sq. foot of attic space. Have your roofing contractor install additional attic vents, if needed, to prevent ice-buildup.
• Inspect ceiling and dry wall from the baseboards up. If you see or feel moisture or see discolored paint, your roof could have a leak.

One last thought. Actually, I can’t believe I need to say this, but just in case . . . don’t use a snow blower on your roof. Snow blowers are dangerous and can also tear up the roof.

Winterizing projects are routine in Colorado. When winterizing, don’t forget your roof, gutters and downspouts.  Maintenance costs a little bit — major repairs can cost a lot.