Winter season is the best time to have your roof inspected and replaced if needed

Winterizing the roof is essential to protecting your home. And winter is the best time to inspect your home’s roof before the heavy rains of spring and summer can bring. 

While Florida winters may not be extreme as other parts of the country, temperatures do drop quite a bit and can bring freeze and frost to areas of Florida, it’s important to take some steps to protect your home. When homeowners maintain their homes, most focus mainly on lawn and gardening, the Heating/Central Air system, irrigation, and cosmetics. Just as you prepare for winter, the roof also needs to be routinely maintained. 

If you want to get the most life out of your roof, it is essential to ensure the roof gets the necessary care. The weather throughout Orlando and Tampa is driest in the winter, making it an excellent time for roof inspections, maintenance, and repairs.

Here are tips on how to take care of your home by Winterizing the Roof

1. Clean the Roof and Gutters  

Ensuring the roof is regularly clean of debris is essential in caring for the roof, not only during winter but also in the long term. The roof and gutters may have an accumulation of debris from nearby trees and dirt that can limit the flow of rain. Water can then accumulate and pond on the roof and cause many problems. Once you have cleaned the gutters, you can invest in a gutter protection system. This will reduce maintenance tasks and provide even more roof protection. 

Another thing you should watch for is excess shingle granules that accumulate in the gutter. This may be a sign your roof is losing its protectability. 

2. Trim Surrounding Trees 

You can also cut the amount of maintenance and cleaning of the roof and drains needed by trimming trees and shrubs that overhang or come in contact with the roof. Trees can fall on the roof and shed leaves and twigs that clog the gutter. A weighted gutter can cause damage to the eves. Furthermore, tree limbs can fall on the roof, damaging the shingles and all the other underlining materials. To prevent all this, take the time to trim your trees or call a professional to do the work for you. 

3. Remove any Animals and Nests

Animals need and seek shelter from the elements and predators as well as we do. Unfortunately, they cause unwanted damage to your home. You can find bats and birds in chimneys and pipes, squirrels nesting in eves, and accessing the attic of your home causing additional damage. Even Bees can cause damage. Some areas have regulations about when or how to remove unwanted pests, so consult with your local authority, as some animals like bats are protected species.

4. Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection 

To ensure the roof system is in proper condition, schedule a roof inspection with a licensed contractor like those at Parlament Roofing and Construction. A roof is not something everyone thinks, so it can be easy to overlook subtle problems that affect the ability of the roof to protect your home. You may miss significant issues that need to be addressed soon, so it is important to contact a professional who can properly advise you about the condition of your roof overall.

If the roof is inspected bi-annually, you will be aware of any issues and can repair them before they cause concerns such as leaks, water damage, and mold growth. Our team has the professional tools and experience to thoroughly inspect the roof and deal with any issue they may find.

A Roof Inspection Will Look for the Following Items 

• Inspect Roofing Materials 

Roofing materials like shingles, tile, and Thermo insulated coverings can break, get loose or just age out. Flat roofs and metal roofs have concerns to monitor as well. When a professional checks the roof, they inspect that nothing is damaged. If they identify damaged or broken shingles, they must be replaced to keep the roof in good condition. If you notice damaged tiles and shingles, contact our technicians for inspection or repair. This may be a sign that the roofing material is reaching the end of its life and needs to be replaced.  

• Inspect the Flashing 

Flashing is a thin material that diverts water from crucial roof areas, such as chimneys and vents. Damaged flashing can cause leaks around these areas. Flashings can be damaged or become unsecured. In Florida, winter is the best time to check the flashing of the roof because the hurricane season is over, and the weather is mild. We can replace damaged flashes on the roof and ensure it is protected from the elements. 

• Inspect the Roof Valleys and Ridges 

Roof Valleys are where two slopes of the roof meet. The valley of the roof enables water to drain from the roof. Unfortunately, debris usually builds up in these valleys, blocking the water’s path. Debris can also put extra pressure on these areas, and hold moisture, therefore aging the area faster than other roof areas. Over time, valleys can even deteriorate, allowing water and air to enter the home. To prevent this, regularly inspect the roof valleys to ensure they are free of debris. 

• Inspect for Leaks and Stains 

Of course, winter isn’t the only time you should look for signs of water penetration, but it makes sense to include leak detection as part of the maintenance tasks on the roof. Checking the attics for moisture from leaks that may have developed during the rainy season will allow you to identify and repair leaks early. In addition to moisture, you should also monitor stains on ceilings and walls. Often, a leak appears as a stain a few feet away, so it is important to contact a professional for a roof inspection if you find water stains indoors. 

• Inspect Sealants, Weather Stripping, and Vent Pipes of the Roof 

The weather stripping or sealant of the roof can begin to wear out and become ineffective. Sealants are typically placed around skylights, vent pipes, and chimneys to ensure they are safe from rain and other elements. Unfortunately, over time, the sealant wears out or is damaged. In addition, rodents like to eat at the vent pipes and cause much damage. However, the damage is minimal compared to the long-term damage that can be caused by not replacing damaged roof vent pipes. 

The worn sealant allows external air to enter, affecting your HVAC system’s effectiveness. In addition, not repairing the problem can lead to higher energy bills in both the summer and the winter.  

Winter is the Best Time to Replace the Old Roof 

Winter is the best time to plan a roof replacement in Tampa if it’s time for a new roof. The dry, mild weather means no storms must be a concern during the replacement project. You can also gain peace of mind knowing you have a new roof going into spring and the next heavy rain season. 

Do you need roofing services in Central Florida from Orlando to Tampa Bay or the surrounding area?  

At Parlament Roofing and Construction, we inspect, repair, and install roofs for residential properties. In addition, we offer free roof inspections.  

Once we inspect your home and determine whether you require a roof repair, simple maintenance, or roof replacement, we will send our estimator to give you a free quote. Yes, we also offer Free Roof Estimates as well. 

Our team is highly experienced with all types of roofing services. Call us at Parlament Roofing and Construction to schedule a Free Roof Inspection appointment or learn more about our services.