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Winterizing – or preparing a home for the cold season – is a smart practice for all homeowners. That’s because winterizing is a general term for preparing for foul weather; ice, snow, and sudden storms are the hallmarks of winter, of course, but unpredictable weather can happen year-round. As with all exterior home components, reinforcement and preparation are the two most important factors in determining how much damage your home will incur during a storm; naturally, the best possible protection is always the primary goal!
Protective shields can be added during a roof replacement that will reinforce your entire roofing system. This additional layer is added above the underlayment, and is often called an ‘ice and water shield’; it further waterproofs your roof’s decking, and creates an added watertight seal that also strengthens your home’s temperature regulation. That means lower heating and cooling costs, less attic humidity, and a longer lifespan for your roofing materials.
Other reinforcements can help seal your roofing system from severe weather. Adding flashing to seams creates a strong, waterproof barrier to further protect vulnerable areas. Likewise, adding attic insulation also adds extra protection; it prevents excessive heat loss and regulates the temperature of your roofing system, preventing the formation of potentially damaging icicles.
Other ways of winterizing include following a routine maintenance schedule for your gutters (with seasonal cleanings and flushing), trimming any over-hanging branches or trees, and adding caulking to any areas vulnerable to bug infestations.
As we mentioned before, the best protection for future storms is always preparation. Preparing for unexpected events will always serve you (and your home) very well, and mitigate damage to your property. Unpredictable weather patters are especially pronounced in warmer states; though winters are typically mild, the South is known to have random bursts of serious ice storms.
Ice storms are incredibly damaging, especially if a home isn’t reinforced. The massive fluctuation in external temperature causes a system shock to your roof, resulting in compromised materials, cracks, splits, and other big issues. After any significant natural event – like a storm, hurricane, or tornado – a roof inspection by your trusted roofing contractor will prevent long-term property damage and reveal any weakened areas.
