While the days may be  sunny right now, the transition to fall and winter will soon be upon us. Winter weather can be harsh, and it can also be destructive to your property. From the snow and ice to the frigid temperatures, winter can wreak havoc on a property.

If you haven’t already done it now is the time to  restore your roof to prepare for the harsh winter ahead. This effort today will minimize damage that the home may endure throughout the cold months of the year. Here are some steps you can take to winterize your roof before the weather gets colder.

Steps to Take Now
As a homeowner, you can easily take a few steps today to prevent your home from being damaged in the winter months. From the ground level, inspect the home for signs of roof damage. You may notice a few shingles not laying flush on the roof, or you may see that some shingles are missing. Check the valleys of the roof to ensure that they are also free and clear of debris that can  act as a barrier to rain and snow and add to the weight.  Check that the roof jacks and flashing are intact and sealed. 

Do you have a metal roof?  Hot and cold temperatures will cause screws to back out.  Check for any screws that are not well seated.  Don’t just tighten them down, remove the old screw and replace it with a new  screw and grommet.

Make sure you can trim away tree limbs and branches that hang over the roof. These can become heavy with the weight of snow and ice, and they can break entirely or hang low to cause ice dams and damage to the roof.

You also should clean out your gutters now. When gutters become clogged, they are ineffective at handling snow and ice melt. Cleaning your gutters every spring and fall will ensure they are prepared to handle inclement weather.