A Roof for All Seasons
As the weather cools and winter months evolve, your home needs extra attention. Your house is probably your largest investment, and a little time and money in prevention will likely save you thousands of dollars in repairs. The roof is the largest surface and one of the most expensive parts of your home. A leaky and unrepaired roof can damage other parts of your house including your interior furnishings.

Cold weather, wind, rain, and storms can wreak havoc on your roofing materials. The cold triggers contracture in roof joints, shingles, and mortar work. Wind causes leaves to fall which often land on the roof, clog the gutters, and cause moisture to collect on the roof surface. If you have wood shingles, continual moisture impairs the wood and can initiate moss growth which will inevitably damage the shingle. Rain and storms make shingles brittle and break and potentially blow off. The weight of water gathering on your roof can block proper drainage and harm your roof and gutter system. Holes and breaks in your roof can cause leaks, invasive cold air, escaping warmth, and expensive repairs.

So how can you prevent all this potential damage? Inspection by a professional roofing company or contractor is your best line of defense.

Your inspection should include:

• Check the exterior house for leaks or cracks in mortar near the roof line; sealing these openings will help keep a weather-tight seal
• Stains on the interior ceilings are a sign of a roof leak; inside damage can identify hidden problems outside
• Look for expansion or splits in the caulking or mortar used near the roof; patch any gaps
• Check closely for loose or rusted metal; paint rusted metal and fasten correctly
• Clear gutters of all debris; clean out drains and downspouts