How to keep your roof safe in the winter

Mother Nature can take a toll on your home throughout the winter, especially your roof. Between piling snow, accumulated ice, and rough winds, you want to be diligent about maintaining your roof prior to and during the winter season. To ensure that your roof is in optimal condition and prepared to handle Pennsylvania winters, it is a good idea to do the following:

Remove Snowfall From Your Roof

A blanket of fresh, white snow on your roof may have an idyllic look, but it can also be very heavy. If your roof has any wear and tear to it, this weight of accumulated snowfall can become burdensome and result in damage to your roof over time. To avoid this, be sure to scrape off built-up snow.

Hire a Professional to Clear Off Ice Dams

An ice dam forms when water on your roof flows towards your gutters and temperatures drop overnight, freezing it. Ice dams can be dangerous on any roof. The ice in and around the gutter system can result in a backup of water, which is also likely to freeze and may damage your shingles.

Fix Your Flashing

Flashing can quickly become loose or warped, causing many problems. Broken flashing can allow snow and icy water to enter your roof, leading to potential leaks inside your home. Therefore, it is important that you check your flashing before winter goes into full effect. If your flashing is damaged, make sure it is fixed prior to the first snowfall.

Consider a Roof Replacement Prior to the Winter Season

If your roof is old, worn, and doesn’t have what it takes to stand up to the harsh winter, don’t stress. Instead, contact O’Leary Roofing to learn about the roofing services we offer. Since 1984, our family-owned and -operated business has proudly provided Pennsylvania homeowners with roof replacement services they can count on. And once we have outfitted your home with a new roof, you can feel confident that it will be able to handle rough weather.