Winterize Your Home - Roof, Gutter, Downspouts
Flickr/Sage Taking A Break
Inspect Roof, Gutters & Downspouts
- In Minnesota, you know the temperatures are going to be below freezing so you will want to be sure you have enough insulation in your attic to keep warm air from creeping up to your roof and causing ice dams.
- Check flashing to make certain the water can't get into your house. If you aren't certain what roof flashing is, This Old House has some helpful information.
- Replace worn roof shingles or tiles to protect your roof and keep the weather on the exterior of your house.
- Clean out any leaves, pine needles, acorns and other items in the gutters. Use a hose to spray water down the downspouts to clear away debris. Having the gutters and downspouts in good working condition will help move moisture away from your house and keep you nice and dry inside.
- Install extensions on your downspouts to direct the water away from your house. You can also look into leaf guards for your gutters, but make sure you investigate how well they work, some styles are much better than others.
The roof, gutter, and downspout are very important when it comes to the roofing structure. These are what protect the house against harsh weather. However, these also get affected by aging and wear. The answer to this is constant and regular maintenance. Repainting the roof with protective paint can help prevent rust from settling in.
ReplyDeleteSoo Eaton
You’re absolutely right! Constant and regular maintenance of the gutters and the roof will eventually prolong their service life. I remember the time when we’re staying at the house of my grandfather. The house is as old as him, but the roof and the gutters are well-maintained. Up to now, the roof and the gutter had been replaced thrice only, since it was built 70 years ago. :)
Delete-- Missie Rice