How to Prepare Your Roof for Winter in Ohio

A house covered in snow with a blue sky.

Ohio’s winters are harsh and unpredictable. Heavy snowfall, ice, and excessive winds can all put a real wrench in the works. Are you determined to ensure your roof can withstand the cold season ahead?

That takes a proactive approach — but an experienced Ohio roofing company can make preparing your roof for winter a breeze. This quick guide explores the essential steps homeowners should take to get their Ohio roofs winter-ready.

Run through it for complete peace of mind.

1. Schedule a Roof Inspection

Annual roof inspections are a vital part of routine roof maintenance. When did you last have your roof inspected? If you can’t remember, give Chappelle Roofing a call today.

Ohio winters present several key roof maintenance concerns:

  • Snow accumulation can overload roofing in winter, potentially leading to structural problems.
  • The risk of ice dams is significant, especially if your insulation solution is inadequate.
  • Ice dams cause water to leak into the home, leading to damage and putting you at risk of a mold infestation.
  • Freeze-thaw cycles can cause roofing materials to contract and expand repeatedly, leading to damage that requires roof repair.
  • Ohio winters bring strong winds, leaving your winter roof vulnerable to loose shingles.
  • Damaged flashing is another challenge to contend with.

When you schedule a roof inspection, your roofing company will thoroughly assess the roof’s condition, recommending prompt roof repair where necessary.

2. Tackle Roof Repair Work

While Ohio’s roofing season lasts from May to October, homeowners requiring urgent roof repair work can still have it done in winter. Experienced Ohio roofers like the Chappelle Roofing team take advantage of milder days to repair your roof, ensuring you enjoy peace of mind throughout the winter. Save your roof replacement plans for spring or summer, but don’t hesitate to tackle minor roof repairs or temporary fixes whenever you need to.

3. Clean Your Gutters and Drains

Servicing your gutter and drains is another essential roof maintenance item. Clean gutters and drains ensure water can drain from your Ohio roof during the winter, reducing the risk of ice dams. Hire a gutter-cleaning service, or tackle the project yourself before the first frost hits!

4. Trim Overhanging Trees

Overhanging tree branches can wreak havoc on your roof. As you get your Ohio roof ready for the winter, have any trees within 20 feet of your home’s foundation inspected and trimmed. This step helps prevent damage to your roof and keeps passers-by safe from flying branches.

5. Engage a Snow Removal Service

If you live in North or Central Ohio, the risk of heavy snowfall is significant. Snow build-up on your roof can cause structural problems that reduce your roof’s lifespan. Unless you already have a snow removal plan in place, now’s an excellent time to take that step.

Call Chappelle Roofing and Get Your Ohio Roof Winter-Ready

Don’t let the harsh Ohio winter catch you off guard. Call Chappelle Roofing, your trusted Ohio roofing company, today and schedule a comprehensive roof inspection.

Let our expert team take care of all your roof maintenance needs!