Fall is the perfect time in Norwood, MA to make sure your roof is ready for winter’s harsh weather. The local freeze-thaw cycles can be especially harmful to the shingles and flashing. With O’LYN Roofing, you’ll be prepared for whatever winter brings after we prep the roof for snow, ice, and other winter elements.
Inspect Shingles for Cracks, Curling, or Missing Pieces
All of your shingles need to be in good condition to keep your home protected during the winter. We’ll inspect every shingle for cracks, curling, and damage to make sure you don’t need any repairs. Even small cracks can develop into leaks, especially when snow accumulates and then melts. This simple step is crucial to making sure the home stays dry all winter.
Check Flashing Around Chimneys, Skylights, and Vents for Leaks
The metal flashing on the roof serves as a protective barrier. But as time passes, it can weaken, leaving gaps where water can sneak in. We’ll inspect all flashing to ensure it doesn’t have any cracks or corrosion. We may need to reseal or replace sections so that everything has a tight seal and a secure fit.
Seal Exposed Nail Heads to Prevent Water Intrusion
You might not be able to see them from a distance, but exposed nails are huge troublemakers for your roof, especially once ice and moisture set in. We’ll seal all exposed nails with roofing cement or a specialized sealant to prevent them from contributing to hidden leaks. This is also valuable for protection against ice dams that often occur during freeze-thaw cycles.
Ensure Downspouts Are Directing Water Away From the Foundation
Your downspouts must be in the proper position and have tight connections to keep the water flowing where it belongs. We can repair any clogged or misaligned gutter drainage to ensure everything flows freely. This seemingly minor adjustment makes a huge difference in preventing foundation damage.
Install or Upgrade Gutter Guards for Better Drainage
In the fall, it’s very normal for gutters to clog with leaves and pine needles. Adding gutter guards is an excellent way to prevent blockages. This is a crucial step that plays a vital role in preventing ice dams. Once you know that everything will drain smoothly, you won’t have to stress about water backing up onto the roof.
Inspect Attic Ventilation and Insulation to Reduce Ice Dam Formation
We’ll check all attic ventilation and insulation to spot any air leaks or blockages. If we find any gaps or poor airflow, we’ll address the issue to maintain balanced temperatures and control moisture levels. In some cases, we’ll have to add new vents to give the attic proper ventilation. In others, we might have to upgrade insulation to stop warm air from escaping. All of this helps reduce ice dam formation by maintaining a more consistent temperature on the roof surface.
Seal Gaps in Roof Valleys Where Water Can Pool
It’s natural for water to collect in roof valleys, making them especially vulnerable to leaks. If the water freezes in these spots, it can result in ice dams. We’ll seal gaps in the valleys so that water can’t pool and seep inside. This not only prevents hidden damage that leads to costly repairs but also extends the overall life of your roof.
Check Roof Decking for Signs of Rot or Sagging
Just like the shingles and flashing, all of the roof decking needs to be in good condition. We’ll inspect the entire surface for soft spots, sagging, and rot. Fixing these issues before winter gets here is vital to avoiding ice dams, heavy snow collapse, and interior water damage.
Test and Repair Soffits and Fascia for Weather Readiness
In addition to protecting your roof’s edges, soffits and fascia allow air to circulate through your attic. This helps eliminate excess moisture that can lead to mold and rot. We ensure that all soffits and fascia are sturdy, well-sealed, and prepared for winter winds.
Ensure Proper Sealing of Ridge Caps Against Heavy Snow
When it snows heavily, the snow will fall straight on your roof’s ridge cap, which is also its highest point. We’ll examine the areas where the sections meet to determine if there are any cracks or gaps. We can typically resolve minor issues with sealant or new fasteners. If we find any major damage, we may need to replace the whole ridge cap.
Here at O’LYN Roofing, we’re proud to be a trusted provider of roofing solutions throughout Norwood. We offer roofing repair, installation and maintenance support for a wide range of roofing materials. Scheduling an inspection is the best way to make sure your roof is ready for the harsh winter weather.
Contact O’LYN Roofing now to book expert roofing support in Norwood.
