Winter Wind Storms

Sitting next to a roaring fire listening to the blowing winds outside can make you thankful you are safe and warm inside your home; but how is your roof fairing? Winds can exceed 100kph and threaten the seal of shingles, particularly if your roof is older. These high winds can have a bigger impact than similar speeds in Summer because the leafy trees which may provide somewhat of a wind barrier are now bare branches. This is particularly a concern if you live by an open field, parks or other recreational areas.

So what should you do?

1. If you suspect some of your shingles have pulled loose from your roof, DO NOT CLIMB YOUR ROOF! Even in the best weather, climbing a roof without proper training and safety gear is dangerous but it is significantly more dangerous in winter with the snow and ice. It is a much better idea to call the professionals who can make any necessary repairs safely.
2. Schedule a roof inspection for the Spring. While the chance of leaks can decrease with freezing temperatures in winter, the Spring rains will increase the risk. Having a trained professional assess your roof will bring you peace of mind that your roof has survived the winter. They can complete any repairs that might be needed and let you know if and when your roof will need to be replaced.
3. Add a reminder on your calendar to schedule maintenance in the Fall. With all the chaos of the Summer ending and the kids going back to school, it is easy to forget about your roof, but it is good practice to have regular maintenance performed. This includes touching up the caulking on any flashing, securing any visibly loose shingles and/or cleaning the eavestrough.