Your roof is an important part of protecting your family from the elements. Now is the time to think about the maintenance tips that will help you keep your roof in good condition during the winter months.

• Remove Roof Debris. It’s important to remember that the branches above your home will drop leaves onto your roof. Large amounts of leaves and other debris will collect in overhangs and clog your gutters. Hire a professional to clean your roof and gutters. You’ll thank yourself later when your gutters aren’t clogged with leaves and snow.
• Keep Your Gutters Clean. Clean gutters and drainpipes help drain the water from your roof as snow and ice melt. If water collects in your gutters, it can pose a serious problem as the temperatures dip overnight. Clogged gutters lead to ice damming in your downspouts and gutters. Ice dams keep constant moisture around your home. Standing water can damage your home’s siding and foundation.
• Hire a Tree Trimmer. Remove the dead branches around your home. It is particularly important to address the trees with branches near your roof. Heavy snowfalls or ice storms can break branches and damage the physical structure or your home.
• Inspect Your Roof. Avoid climbing on your roof during the winter months. Ice and snow can make your roof slippery and dangerous. Instead, walk around the outside of your home and look for visible sagging. Hire a pro to perform a roof inspection if you notice any problems.
• Clear Snow From Your Roof. Remove any snow within four feet of your drains and gutters to improve your drainage. Roof rakes are a handy tool for clearing snow from your roof. Call a pro to tackle your snow removal if you have too much snow for a rake.

There are a lot of things you can do to keep your roof safe this winter. Being proactive is a great start. But in most cases, contacting a professional with the right tools and safety equipment is the best way to ensure a healthy roof.