Welcome the Winter Ready: 6 Essential Steps to Prepare Your Roof

by southshore | Dec 9, 2019 | Roofing Tips, Residential Roofing Service

With the cold snowy months just around the corner, now is the perfect time to make sure your entire home is ready to welcome the winter. And one of the most important aspects to prepare is your roof. Roof inspections are vital in maintaining your roof in top shape and even prolonging its lifespan. Professionals always recommend to have your roof inspected at least twice a year – and one of those times is before winter.

It is very important to take care of even the slightest issues that you notice on your roof because in the cold and harsh winter weather they can develop into very serious problems. In addition to that, inspecting, repairing, and replacing your roof during winter can be more complicated and inconvenient both for you and for your roofer. Therefore, in order to be prepared and stay ahead of trouble, make sure to check your roof by following these six essential steps.

Inspect the Framework and the Roof Edge

One of the first steps you can and should take is inspecting the edge of your roof and its framework. The first part of this task can be done safely from the ground. Simply take a look at the edges and see if they are all even and straight. Any faults in roof edges can impact the stability of the entire roof and lead to leaks and more serious structural damages. Therefore, if any part is hanging, saggy or loose, make sure to have it fixed as soon as possible.

When it comes to the framework of your roof, this part can also be observed from the ground, but sometimes, you can get a clearer picture if you observe it from a higher point of view – from the ladder for instance. However, we always advise being extra cautious when climbing and if you can, avoid it. It is always better to call a professional roofer to do this part.

What you can notice from the ground are dips and curves in your roof, sagging parts, and similar faults that point out an uneven roof framework. This is an issue that should be checked out by your roofer and fixed as soon as possible.

Check the Gutters and Downspouts

While observing the edges of your roof from the ground, you can continue to inspect your gutter and downspout system as well. These parts should also be even and tightly fixed to the exterior of your house. If there are any cracks or loose parts, this can lead to water pooling around your home, seeping into your basement, the foundations, and causing serious damages.

Another important aspect to check is whether your gutter system is clean and unobstructed. Any clogs can lead to water pooling on top of your roof and causing water damages and leaks. During winter, this pooling can also lead to ice dams forming on your roof, which pose serious risks for the roof and, if they fall unexpectedly, for the residents.

Therefore, make sure your gutters are clear of any debris such as leaves, twigs, and branches as well as that the water flow through the downspouts is unobstructed.

Look for Damaged or Missing Shingles

Ideally, a roof should never have broken or missing shingles as these areas become the ideal entryways for leaks into your home. However, shingles can get broken due to harsh and severe weather, aspects that you cannot control. What you can control, on the other hand, is how you care for your roof. Your roof should be professionally inspected twice a year and after any severe weather event.

One of the recommended times to have your shingles inspected is just before the winter. Any shingles that are broken or missing can then easily be replaced or repaired before the snow comes. Once the snow covers your roof or when the leaks from melted snow reach the interior of your home, the damage will be much more difficult to repair.

With your shingles in top shape, on the other hand, you will be safe and protected throughout the winter.

Inspect the Flashing

Flashing is located at all intersections of your roof as well as around all penetrations on it such as the chimney, skylight, etc. It is made of impervious materials and its main function is to keep the water from seeping into your home and to direct it off of the roof. Therefore, whenever that flashing is loose, broken or missing on some parts of the roof, your home is at high risk of leaks and subsequent water damages.

If you’ve noticed such issues with the flashing or are not sure if it is properly sealed, make sure to call your roofer and take care of it before the winter comes.

Check Attic Insulation and Ventilation

In the absence of proper ventilation or insulation in the attic, your roof will heat up more easily. The heat from your home will seep out onto your roof and cause the snow to melt. Once this melted snow reaches the colder edges of your roof, it will turn into ice and ice dams will form. Your attic insulation and ventilation play a big part in preventing this from happening. In addition to that, they also help decrease the energy waste, keep your home warmer, and your utility bills lower.

Your roofer will be able to determine whether your attic insulation is evenly distributed and whether your ventilation is working properly. And in case you don’t have either of them, the roofer will install them and help keep your roof in top shape for the winter.

Trim the Surrounding Trees

Tall trees with big branches overhanging your roof can pose certain risks for your roof and the gutter system, leading to potentially very serious issues. For example, leaves, twigs, and other debris from these trees will continuously fall onto your roof and into your gutters, clogging them and making it hard to keep them clean and unobstructed.

Entire branches could fall off if the tree is old or if the weather is severe, which can lead to damages and punctures to your roof and home’s exterior. All of this, in turn, can lead to leaks and both interior and exterior water damages.Trimming those trees before winter and making sure they don’t pose any such risk is a great idea that will keep you and your home safe and protected.

Make sure to call in an expert who will do this efficiently, safely, and thoroughly.

Final Thought

The roof is your first line of defense against the outside elements, it is what keeps you warm and protected inside your home and should, therefore, always be in top shape. Inspecting your roof before the winter should be one of your top home improvement priorities as it can prevent a lot of potentially serious issues and save you both money and stress.

Call your best local roofing company to assess your roof and welcome the winter and the holidays ready and stress-free!

What our HAPPY CUSTOMERS are saying

Terri Giannattasio

SSR (South Shore Roofing) has a very “Classy” business model. First touch call was with Erica and she demonstrated grand skills, collect data on our needs, received our emailed pics and set up the appointment. SSR sent and email confirming the on-site visit. Luke with SSR sent a text day before visit with his arrival time, picture and informative Bio! Luke texted us to share he was in route. Evaluation and next steps were COMPLETED! CLASSY! Thank you. The G’s

Lee Haight

Professional organization from the top down . Class act to hire for any roofing project

Kaye Torgerson

South Shore replaced our roof this past fall and made the entire process painless. From meeting with our insurance adjuster (as this was for a rental property we own) to keeping us updated with photos, they did an outstanding job throughout. The job supervisor even personally made sure the shingles were tucked under the siding to prevent leaks. All correspondence was courteous and professional. Would definitely recommend.

Steven Bicette

Kile and his team made me very proud,after building my roof,perfect job,i will recommend them to any home owner way to go.

Lisabeth Degnan Silady

My husband spent a lengthy period of time researching potential roofing contractors and brand of material to be utilized. It is a critical investmnt both in terms of structure and cost. We narrowed the search down to three companies. It was a difficult decision, but now that the project is complete, we know we made the best choice. We are delighted with their honesty, professionalism, communication, follow-through, and outstanding workmanship. One note for constructive improvement would be the final nail pick-up (at least on our project). A thorough job is so important for all the obvious reasons. Again – we made the right choice with South Shore Roofing – Kyle Patrick and his entire team are the best. We recommend South Shore wholeheartedly.

Chad Laster

I needed my old roof replaced and was looking for a reputable roofer that I could count on. Ran across South Shore on the internet and saw their trucks around town. They looked very professional so I gave them a call. I was lucky to have the pleasure of talking with the office manger, Casey, who was very helpful and answered all the questions I had. She got the the ball rolling for me. Soon Kyle, the owner, and his crew had me scheduled and were on site shortly after. The roof looks great! I’m always nervous dealing with contractors but this is one that gets the job done right the first time.

Hema Kaviratna

South Shore Roofing just finished, getting our new roof done. It was such a pleasure to work with them, especially our contact person Tyler McGowan. He is very quick to answer our phone calls, emails and text messages. Tyler was very patient with answering all our questions and took care of all our concerns during the project. He and others, Kyle Patrick and Luke Patrick, were very punctual and explained the process well. Working crew was commendable, hardworking, efficient workers and they did a wonderful job! South Shore Roofing worked very efficiently with our insurance company to get the claim going through very smoothly. South Shore finished the roofing job in a timely manner as promised. My house looks very beautiful now!

John Cheatham

I had a roof replaced after a free inspection that revealed hail damage. The workers were quick, efficient, and effective. The edge lines across the roof could not have been straighter had they been laid out with a laser. My vents that went through the roof were painted, from white to black, and visually disappeared. Just an example of the thoughtful attention to detail in their work. The sealant around the mounting points for my satellite dish guarantee it will never leak. I give them my highest possible recommendation. OUTSTANDING!

Hannah Joy-Dinello

We had been looking for a company to come fix our roof after the hurricane last October. After several failed attempts with other companies we finally asked a friend and were referred to South Shore. We met Luke and Tyler and were immediately impressed! They were professional, easy to talk to, and we ended up getting the pristine shingles from all the money we were able to save. The work was done almost immediately and only took a couple of days. Tyler came after it was done to check the work and make sure there were no nails left in our yard. Now we have a beautiful new roof and peace of mind the next time a major storm comes through! We will definitely be reccommending South Shore to anyone that asks!

Alexander Oliver

Thank you South Shore for doing such a great job on my granddads roof! The staff at South Shore were very professional and put him at ease enough to finally get the new roof he needed. We are SO happy that he didn’t try to keep patching it with duct tape and tar. We can rest easy that that roof will last a good long time and its all because of you! Thanks again SOUTH SHORE!!!You are AWESOME!!!!

Amanda Hedrick

South Shore really did make my roofing experience easy. Tyler was prompt with the estimate and very responsive by text and phone. Kyle kept me updated once the project began and the working crew was efficient and cleaned as they went. I had a roof removal with some decking replacement and a new architectural roof installed. It looks great and I highly recommend South Shore to friends and family now. Definitely the team to work with!

Paul Tilson

You won’t find a better roofing company anywhere than South Shore Roofing, definitely a 5 star roofing company. Top quality work delivered very professionally. Superior customer service. Luke and Kyle are the best! Luke was especially awesome with working up the estimate, explaining the options and the entire procedure, and helping with the insurance claims. The installation crew was top notch, hard working, very professional including great clean up afterwards. They even made a return visit a few days later for some finishing details. I recommend South Shore Roofing without reservation to any home owner.

Tom Lawrence

South Shore Roofing was a pleasure to work with and met all our needs in a prompt and efficent manner! If you’re looking for great customer service and a job well done, you won’t be disappointed!!! My wife and I are tremendously impressed with this company and the way they conduct business!!!

Jennifer Estelle

They did a great job. They we’re on time, efficient, did a great job from beginning to end. My yard is heavily landscaped, and I have a pool. They were very careful around my plants, flowers, and pool. They did an excellent job cleaning up during and after. My roof looks wonderful! Staff was very polite, and easy to work with. They even helped me with my insurance claim. Overall wonferful to work with. Would definitely reccomend them for roof work.

Lisabeth Silady

We made the best choice of roofing contractors selecting South Shore Roofing. We are delighted with their honesty, professionalism, knowledge, follow-through, and outstanding workmanship.

Amanda Mendiola

I want to take the time to say how pleased I am with Kyle Patrick on his service with my new home recently we just got into a bad storm and I was looking everywhere up-and-down trying to find a great deal I happened to see A sign posted on Facebook and I called Kyle he was very nice and very professional of what he does and at a reasonable price !!!!thanks to him and his guys I am able to relax a little keep up the good work Kyle ! And I recommend everyone in Savannah area and pool area to give him a call he’s the best in town and he won’t lie or cheat you out of your money !!!!!!!

Lois Maher

The team at South Shore Roofing was fantastic, they were supporting, understanding and helpful.
They worked with my insurance company to get me the best outcome.
The team that replaced my roof were terrific, excellent job. The contractor Shore Shore Roofing sent to replace the interior damage was also terrific. In the repair of interior they found more damage than previously thought which was very discouraging, however they went right to work repairing the damage and billed my insurance carrier.

I am very pleased with total repair of the roof & interior. I would recommend South Shore Roofing.

Samantha

South Shore Roofing provided me with all of my roofing needs. My representative, Tyler McGowan was charming, professional, and extremely helpful in assisting me work with my insurance company in order to get me what I needed – it was almost like I didn’t have to do anything at all! My roof was completed in a timely manner and is everything I imagined. I would hate to imagine where i’d be without it. My old roof was outdated and the siding was busted. Now I have confidence it can weather any storm. My neighbors are already asking about it. Thank you, Tyler! You really know your stuff.

Amanda Hedrick

Jessica Smith

Casey and the team at South Shore are above and beyond professional, timely to reply to inquiries, priced very reasonably, and most importantly do amazing work.
I feel confident recommending this company to anyone who will listen. Tyler did amazing work and left the workspace immaculate upon completion.
We know that Hurricanes are frequent in south GA- and while I hope my roof never needs their services again, *if* it does, they’re the ONLY ones we will call.

Thanks so much for everything.

Lindsay Roberts

South Shore Roofing was amazing to work with! Tyler was very professional and friendly and explained the whole process to me thoroughly. He was always great at responding to my calls and messages without making me feel like a bother. I was so happy with the finished product and will definitely be recommending them to family and friends!!

Jorge Valdes

Incredible service! I had a tight deadline from my home insurance to fix my roof or else they’d cancel my policy. South Shore Roofing was the only company who got back to me on a timely manner and were able to finish the job before the deadline. I’m incredibly happy with them and I definitely recommend them! They had all the professionalism of a big company but with a sense of being 1-on-1 with me. Very happy and saved me from being forced into an insurance policy 3x more expensive from my bank. Thanks a bunch!

Marcena Brinson

I had a very good experience with their rep. He helped me pick out the color, the style, etc. He called me often and returned all calls that I made to him. We had problems with the painters and he got right on it to see that new better ones were hired. My roof looks wonderful and interior work meets my satisfaction! Very good people skills!

Chris Sommers

I’m very happy with this company. I took estimates from three contractors for a brand new roof. South Shore was the most expensive, but I felt better about going with a business that was well established and had already demonstrated good customer service. I made the right choice as the new roof was put up within seven days of signing the contract. The workers were great, and everything was cleaned up very well after the job was completed.

Neal Hamilton

After we encountered storm damage for the first time ever, I had no idea who to call and South Shore was one of the roofers recommended. From the moment I met Luke Patrick I knew my decision was made. His knowledge and experience in dealing with insurance company adjusters made South Shore stand out high above my other bidders. Luke’s efforts to negotiate a full roof replacement v. partial was masterful. Additionally, South Shore agreed to act as the G.C. to handle all other aspects of the remediation work. I HIGHLY recommend South Shore for any roofing needs! I only wish they did commercial work so I could ditch my so-so existing roofers.

Debbie Walker

South Shore Roofing gave me very professional service from beginning to end. I was emailed a picture and brief bio of the estimator who would be viewing my roof. Luke Patrick arrived on time, was very professional and was very knowledgeable. He met with my insurance adjuster and handled all the paperwork and phone calls. It was truly a blessing to have South Shore handle all the details. During the roof process, they kept me informed, answered all my questions and were very reassuring. I highly recommend them.

Daniel Menges

We are so thankful to have come across South Shore Roofing while searching for contractors. Luke went above and beyond, to make sure the whole process was quick and painless. Erica was efficient, making sure the paperwork process went smoothly. Overall, South Shore is a phenomenal company. If you want a professional, hardworking company with great pricing, South Shore Roofing is the way to go!

Kaye Torgerson

South Shore made the process of replacing our roof completely seamless. From meeting with our insurance adjuster when we could not be present to keeping us updated with photos of the work’s progress, they were professional and courteous all the way through. the work they did was top notch and the final product is beautiful. Would do business again in a heartbeat and have already recommended them to neighbors.

Craig Delaney

This was the best experience that I have had with any roofing company. They worked with us from start to finish and never once did we have to have them redo anything. They began work at 7 a.m. as stated in my contact with the tearing off of the roof and was finished with the replacement asking with clean up by 8:30 pm. Awesome job!

John Spotto

An absolute pleasurable experience dealing with South Shore Roofing. From the first contact with Justin, to the last correspondence with Erica at the office and the dealings with the project managers (Brent & Kyle) in between, it has been nothing but a very smooth & professional experience. The new roof looks fantastic and workmanship top notch.
If you need a new roof these are the people to seek out! Highly recommend South Shore Roofing!