Snowy roof

In Gloucester County, residents get to enjoy four distinct seasons throughout the year—mild spring days, hot summer weather, beautiful scenery in autumn, and even occasional snowfall during the winter. With winter just around the corner, there's many things' homeowners in this region of the US should be doing before the weather starts to change!

At Warner Exteriors & Solar, we have over 20 years of combined experience helping folks ready their homes for the freezing temperatures and icy conditions that accompany our winter season. Below, we outline some vital home maintenance tips that will ensure your residence will be safe, sound and cozy all winter long.

Schedule a Roof Inspection

Homeowners all over the world know that annual inspections are needed to ensure the health and longevity of their roofing systems. If you haven't had one conducted recently, your first order of business should be scheduling a roof inspection with a trusted contractor. 

During an inspection, your roofer will thoroughly comb over each component of your roof, double-checking for damage that will need to be addressed before the start of winter, such as:

  • Broken Shingles
  • Loosened Flashing
  • Water Leaks
  • Sagging Structure
  • Debris Accumulation

Trim Trees Near Your Home

If you have sprawling oak or maple trees in your Gloucester County yard, you probably love the aesthetic they give off in the fall, and the ample shade they provide during the summer. But if their branches are hanging over the top of your roof, they could become problematic in the winter!

When weighed down with snow, large branches can come crashing down on top of your roof. Instead of risking this, call a professional to trim overhanging tree branches before the snow starts to fall.

Check for Signs of Roof Leaks

With winter comes excess moisture from snow and ice, making it imperative for homeowners in Gloucester County to ensure their roofing systems are 100% sealed ahead of time. Roof leaks aren't always visible, so in order to know for certain that your home is properly sealed, look for signs of water damage from the interior, including:

  • Water Stains on Ceiling or Walls
  • Strong Musty Smell in Attic
  • Lingering Moisture in the Air
  • Growth of Mold or Mildew
  • Peeling or Bubbling Paint

Clean Out Your Gutters

A leak in your roof isn't the only way ice and snowmelt can make its way inside your home this winter—another task on your winter prep list should be cleaning out your gutters and downspouts. 

Gutters are responsible for draining water safely away from your home, but if they're chock-full of fallen leaves, twigs and other debris, all that runoff water won't have anywhere to go but inside your home! To keep your property moisture-free, make sure your gutters are cleared ahead of winter, and consider installing gutter guards over the top.

Ensure Roof Ventilation 

Gloucester County winters see constant freeze-thaw cycles, which is why double-checking your roof ventilation makes our list for pre-winter maintenance. Without proper ventilation, your roof will be susceptible to the formation of ice dams, which can wreak havoc on homes.

Roofing systems are designed to ventilate themselves, so have a professional roofer check your attic ventilation so that you can rest assured all winter long that your home is safe and sound.

At Warner Exteriors, we offer everything from roof repairs to roof replacements to roof restoration, so no matter what your roofing system needs to operate its best this winter, we can make it happen. We've helped over 1,000 customers protect and enhance their properties since 2016 and have earned hundreds of 5-star reviews as a result of our exceptional craftsmanship and customer care. 

Get in touch with our expert team at Warner Exteriors today to learn more, and we'll give you a free price estimate on our roofing services in Gloucester County!