5 Ways To Winter-Proof Your Roof In Winnipeg

Winter in Winnipeg is a season not to be reckoned with. As you physically and mentally prepare for the impending frigid reality, remember to also prepare your property and home. While a variety of different tasks should make up your winter home maintenance to-do list, special attention should also be given to your roof.

Your roof comprises a vast amount of your home's exterior surface area and is responsible for protecting it from the elements as well as increasing its structural integrity. Not only that, but roof problems can expand and trickle down to impact other elements of your home if not dealt with effectively and in a timely manner.

In Winnipeg, harsh winters tend to intensify even small roof issues, which is why heading into the cold weather months with your roof in tip-top condition is paramount. Below, we’ve offered some actionable tips for winter-proofing your Winnipeg roof this winter so you can sit back and relax in comfort when the snow flies:

Inspection and Repairs

As Winnipeg heads into the winter season, inspecting your roof and repairing any damage you discover is strongly recommended. While a professional inspection is always best, you can also head up to the roof and look for the following:

• Missing shingles
• Loose or damaged shingles (look for curling, torn surfaces, or indentations)
• Damaged flashing (misalignments, dents, cracks)

In addition, now is the time to fix any existing leaks. No matter how small they currently are, they may worsen with snow buildup and become more difficult and dangerous to repair over time.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Late autumn is the perfect moment for cleaning clogged gutters and spouts. Built-up leaves and debris can prevent proper drainage, which can lead to damaging ice dams in the winter months and flooding in the springtime.

Start at the bottom of each downspout and work your way upwards, ultimately flushing out all gutters with your hose. This is also an excellent time to repair any holes you notice in your gutters and ensure they’re solidly affixed to your fascia boards.

In addition, take the opportunity to remove any debris or growth from your roof's surface and trim any tree branches that are touching or overhanging it. You don’t want your roof to sustain damage from a falling branch or limb during a winter storm.

Insulation and Ventilation

Attic insulation is often thought of primarily as a means of keeping warm air in your home's interior, but this can also benefit the function and safety of your roof in winter. A properly insulated and vented attic prevents your roof's surface from heating up and causing snow melt, which can lead to ice dams, overwhelm drainage systems, and allow moisture to seep into cracks over time.

Investing in effective attic insulation and venting is a win-win home improvement strategy that can benefit both your roof surface and the overall energy efficiency and comfort of your Winnipeg home.

Snow Removal

Snow accumulation can stress the load-bearing capacity of your roof and also transfer damage to other structural components of your home (e.g., cracking or shifting walls, windows, or doors). Creating a safe and effective snow removal strategy to keep your roof clear throughout the winter months is key. At STAR Building Materials in Winnipeg, we recommend hiring a professional snow removal surface if you don't feel safe or comfortable cleaning snow from your roof yourself.

For metal roofs, snow guards are an important feature for ensuring that accumulated snow doesn't slide unexpectedly off your roof and put you at risk.

Water-Repellent Treatments

Water-repellent treatments, such as underlays and topical coatings, can reduce moisture and help prevent ice dams from forming on your roof. Aside from being unsightly and dangerous, ice dams can also compromise your roof's integrity and result in the need for costly repairs. For more information about selecting the right water-repellent treatment for your roofing materials, speak with a friendly and knowledgeable STAR representative at our Winnipeg location.

To conclude, winter-proofing your roof is a critical component of preparing your Winnipeg home for the quickly approaching cold season. For optimal protection, we recommend the visual inspection and repair of shingles and other roof components, the cleaning and maintenance of all roof surfaces and gutters, proper attic insulation and ventilation, well-thought-out snow removal strategies, and the application of water-repellent treatments to prevent property damage caused by ice dams.

Ready to get started preparing your Winnipeg roof for winter? Visit our store today!