Preparing Your Roof for Wisconsin’s Harsh Winter

Your roof is the first line of defense against the ravages of winter. It protects much of your home from heat loss, water incursion, and ice development. Investing time and resources in a strong roof will protect your investment in your residence.

Partnering with a reputable local roofing company is a long-term relationship. They can help you stay ahead of maintenance and repairs that extend the life of your roofing investment through Wisconsin’s long winters.

Conditions on the Ground, and on Your Roof

Winter in Oshkosh is no joke. Temperatures plummet and snow piles up. Having a shovel by your back door and fuel for the snowblower is just part of the necessary preparation. Inspecting your roof and preparing it to ward off months of fluctuating freeze/thaw cycles of temperatures and days of inclement weather is critical to a comfortable winter.

Winter preparation for your roof should include the following:

Inspection. Have a roofer review your roof’s condition, inside and out. This includes: 

1. Shingles. A visual inspection will show if they are curled, worn out, or missing. Replace those that are not weather tight, using the appropriate sealant under them where possible so water doesn’t leak around the new patch.
2. Soft spots. The inspector should test for any structural weakness that can indicate a leak and deterioration of supporting wood or beams.
3. Flashing. Special metal material is used alongside chimneys, skylights, vents, dormers, and the roof’s edge to seal out leaks. Over time it can peel away from its optimal position, introducing leaks and allowing deterioration of the roof structure.
4. Gutters. If these are clogged with leaves or dirt they will not help water drain away from the roof. When they are thoroughly clogged they can contribute to damaging ice buildup. Your roofer may recommend trimming overhanging tree branches that contribute to clogged gutters and which may fall on the roof under a heavy snow load.
5. Vents. The roof ridge and soffit vents work together to prevent heat build up under the roof. If either is blocked, poorly designed, or missing it should be repaired.

Inside the home, the following are key contributors to roof issues. A roofer or general contractor can repair or adjust them as necessary:

6. Attic vents. These are small vents under the edges of your roof, which allow air to circulate in the attic space. If they are blocked by insulation or missing your roof can be too warm in the winter, allowing ice to develop and potentially damage the shingles and structure.
7. Insulation. A review of the attic structure, its ventilation and insulation can determine if it will hold up during the winter. The attic should include the appropriate amount and “R-rating” of insulation as well as ample ventilation to keep the roof cold. 
8. Evidence of Leaks. A visual inspection of the attic will show any leaks, rotting wood, insect infestation, or other problem areas that should be addressed. Consider the weight of mid-winter snow on weakened areas of your roof.
9. Air leaks. Sealing holes and spaces around ventilation pipes, the chimney, and where stair access opens into the space is crucial. Use expanding foam or weather stripping for a tight seal. Air leaking from the home into this space can raise the temperature of the roof and promote ice formation.

Prepare for excess snow removal. When Oshkosh reaches its average of 40 inches of snow, your roof is straining under all of that weight. Talk to your roofer about having your roof raked on a regular schedule during the winter, particularly if it doesn’t have a steep pitch that sheds snow and water.

Preparedness Through Community Partners

It’s time to get your roof inspected before the snow starts. Ripon Area Roofing has helped Oshkosh homeowners through 30 winters with strong, water-tight roofs that stand up to everything Mother Nature throws at them. Call for a thorough inspection and consultation today, so that your home is ready when the snow flies.