Winterizing Your Roof In The Midwest

Protecting Your Concrete Tile Roof From Midwest Winters

The first step towards protecting your roof from winter storm damage in the Midwest is investing in high-quality materials. Concrete roof tile is heavy and sturdy and resists damage much better than other types of roofing like wood or asphalt shingles. However, even tile roofing is at risk for damage. Take these steps to keep your home protected in the winter months:

Conduct A Visual Inspection

The first thing you can do to take care of your roof is to simply look for signs of damage. All homeowners should do this on a fairly regular basis. Cracked or missing tiles can let in cold air and water and cause trouble both on the exterior and the interior of your home. Accumulation of moss or other vegetation can also be troubling as it can cause the tiles themselves to become dislodged and less insulating. Many types of damage can be assessed from the ground but it is also a good idea to have a professional roofing inspection done at least once a year to get a more complete picture of potential issues.

Check Gutters And Downspouts

Gutters and downspouts exist to keep water off your roof so that leaks and snow and ice accumulation do not occur. If these areas become clogged with leaves, branches, or other debris, rain and snow will not be able to drain properly. If this happens, all that water can back up onto the roof or freeze and form ice dams. Both of these events can cause permanent and irreparable damage to your roof.

Look For Dangerous Tree Limbs

As mentioned above, tree limbs may become lodged in gutters and cause draining issues. Trees may also become damaged during storms and limbs may fall onto the roof itself, breaking tiles. Make a habit of checking your property for branches that hang over the roof and trimming them regularly to avoid problems.

Check Insulation

Roof damage and vulnerabilities may occur outside of the roofing tiles themselves. Insulation provides another layer of protection for your tile roof, presuming it is in good condition. Check your home’s attic to make sure that insulation is plentiful and evenly distributed. Remove moldy or wet insulation and replace it if necessary.

Make Necessary Repairs

Once you identify any potential issues that could damage your roof or its accessories, it is important to make repairs as soon as possible. Any delay in addressing problems could be a lot more costly in the long run and could even lead to the need for roof replacement.