Even though it still doesn’t quite feel like it, it is officially winter in Northern Colorado. Soon enough there will be snowstorms and icicles hanging from your gutters and roof. Roofing contractors generally suggest having a roof inspection before winter hits, but if you haven’t had yours completed, it’s better now than never. Here are a few steps you can take to ensure that your roof is ready for the severe Colorado winter.

As you’re getting your roof ready for winter, if you see anything that needs repairing or if you want a full inspection completed by a professional roofer, get in touch with the team at Denali Roofing. Our contractors are experienced and knowledgeable, ready to help you repair or replace your roof if necessary.

Weather Stripping

To keep all of the cold air outside and warm air inside, consider having weather stripping installed, or do it yourself. Preventing air leaks or drafts will increase your home’s efficiency. Weather stripping can be installed around windows, doors, vents and fans, plumbing areas, air conditioners, and electrical and gas lines.

Clean Your Gutters

It’s not a fun item on your to-do list, but it very important to the health of your roof and home. Clogged gutters are more likely to cause blockages, allowing water from melting ice and snow to flow into your roof. This can eventually cause water damage, mold, and more.

Prevent Ice Dams

Heat from your home can escape, causing ice and snow to melt, resulting in ice dams. Ice dams keep water from flowing off of your roof, and instead the water will build up on the roof, or maybe even under it. To prevent this from happening, you need to both insulate and ventilate the attic. Pipes, vents, the chimney system, and any light fixtures should be well insulated. A proper ventilation system will allow cool air into the attic, preventing heat from melting ice and snow.

Get a Roof Rake

There aren’t any snowstorms in the forecast right now, but keep in mind that homes can only handle up to four feet of snow before the weight can become a hazard. Before snow gets to this depth on your home’s roof, use a rake to clear off the snow. Roof rakes are inexpensive and can be found at your local hardware store.

Prune Trees

The last thing you want is to have a tree branch fall on your roof. If there are trees near your home, especially trees with branches that hang over the roof, have them trimmed up before any major storms.

Schedule a Roof Inspection

There’s no better time than now to have your roof inspected for issues. If there are any shingles missing or soft patches in the roof, the weight of snow will be much more of a hazard. A roofing contractor will know exactly what to look for and can offer suggestions on the most efficient way to fix it.

The roof is what protects your home, so it’s essential that it’s ready for any potential winter snowstorms. Contact the roofers at Denali Roofing and we’ll come out and inspect your roof. We serve many Northern Colorado cities, including Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Longmont, Boulder, and Estes Park. Schedule an appointment with us today.