As the weather changes, you may wonder what you can do to prepare your home for winter weather events. Snow, ice dams, sleet, fallen trees, and more can all cause damage to your home. This damage is exponentially greater when your home is not in the best shape it can be before the winter weather arrives. Cracks in your roof or siding, missing shingles, and previously damaged roofs can all put you at risk for roof and home damage this winter. While this can seem daunting, you can do a few things right away to check that you and your home are ready for what’s to come. Read along to see the five things you need to make your home winter-weather-ready.
1. Updated Siding
Generally, when you sell your home, you expect to receive several offers and look to choose the best offer. A relatively new roof is a big selling point for home buyers, as they will know they will most likely not need to repair or replace the roof for many years. Some roofers also have contracts with manufacturers who provide warranties that last for years. Sometimes, these warranties can transfer between homeowners. For example, GAF offers many different warranties on their shingles, some of which transfer over to the new buyer. This would be more appealing to the buyer than an older roof or one that did not have a warranty, leaving the new buyer having to pay should any damage occur.
2. Insulation
Insulation is vital in the winter and can help regulate your home’s temperature year-round. Properly installed insulation reduces heating and cooling costs, is fire resistant, and some types of insulation even help to deter pests. Insulating your home, specifically your home’s attic or crawlspaces, can help lower your energy bills in the winter months, as the warm air from heating systems and fireplaces is kept inside your home. If you are uncertain about which type of insulation to choose, we can help.
3. Replace Damaged or Missing Shingles
If your home has a shingle roof, you could have missing or broken shingles that easily let debris build or allow moisture to enter the sub-roof or attic. The average person does not spend a lot of time on their roof, and many do not even spend much time looking at their roof to notice that something isn’t right. When you enlist the help of a roofing expert such as CRS, you can rest assured that we will not only thoroughly inspect your roof but will be able to pick out shingles that the untrained eye may not notice are broken or loose. It is essential to inspect your roof if you suspect you have damaged, loose or missing shingles before winter weather arrives.
4. Fill Cracks and Gaps
This step is best to complete right away, as other projects, such as installing new insulation, require the gaps and cracks in the interior of your home to be filled. When your home has openings that are not meant to be there, unwanted issues like drafts and pests can enter your home. This is a perfect example of a minor fix that can help you avoid much bigger problems down the road. Exterminators and additional heating needed due to these unsealed gaps and cracks will cost you time and money. In contrast, the investment in properly sealing and insulating your home will save you immensely in the long run.
5. Regularly Clean Gutters and Other Areas Where Debris Gathers
When heavy rain or snow occurs, moisture gathers in areas on the roof, and if blockages exist, this moisture buildup can lead to leaks. Regular maintenance of your home’s roof and gutters can help prevent leaks from occurring due to debris buildup. When inspecting gutters, it is also essential to look for cracks or damage on or near the gutter to ensure water is efficiently draining from your roof during storms.
Call CRS
No matter the season, CRS proudly serves New Jersey residents and business owners. If you require a roof inspection, total roof replacement, or even roof repair, give us a call today for a zero-obligation consultation!
