8 Winter Roof Maintenance Tips for Boise Homeowners

Do you live in the Treasure Valley or Boise? If so, how prepared is your home’s roof for winter?

Winterizing the exterior of your home’s Boise, Idaho roof is essential to protect it from the harsh winter weather and prevent potential issues when those temperatures drop! While your list of roof maintenance tasks isn’t super long, it is best to go on the offensive when it comes to your roof instead of waiting around to play defense!

Legacy Roofing of Idaho is operated and owned by Treasure Valley resident Chuck Turner, and Chuck has put together this list of the nine best ways to winterize your roof!

8 Ways to Winterize the Exterior of Your Home’s Roof:

Below is a list of some simple steps to consider when winterizing your home as it pertains to your roof! Feel free to use our roofing tips for making roof last winter checklist from above as well!

1. Clean Gutters and Downspouts:

Ensure that gutters and downspouts are debris-free, such as leaves, nests, and twigs. You must clean your Boise home’s gutters thoroughly to prevent ice dams from forming, which can lead to water damage, roof leaks, and broken gutters.

☑️ To do: Ensure your gutters are free and clear of debris, sticks, leaves, and other clog agents!

2. Have your roof inspected!

You should have your roof inspected once a year, or at least every other year. When you reach out to a professional roofing company, it is best to have them check the roof for damaged or missing shingles, potential leaks, and other issues with your roof system.

☑️ To do: Call a professional roofer to come to get on your roof and inspect it for damage or missing shingles.

3. Repair any damaged shingles

Replace asphalt shingles broken, cracked, or loose to prevent leaks during winter storms. When the snow appears, it will be challenging to repair shingles, so it is best to take care of it before the winter months come into full effect.

☑️ To do: If your roofer finds missing or damaged shingles, get them repaired/fixed immediately.

4. Seal Roof Leaks:

When you hire a roofing company to inspect your Boise roof for any signs of leaks, be sure they explain the leak to you. It is best to have a roofer seal any gaps or cracks with roofing caulk to prevent water infiltration from snow or rain. Your home’s roofing materials can vary, so don’t treat every aspect of your roof the same.

☑️ To do: If your roof inspection discovers some roof leaks, take care of those before the winter snow hits!

5. Trim branches away from the roof:

Trim tree branches that hang over your roof. Ice and snow can accumulate on these branches, leading to potential damage if they break and fall onto the roof. Large limbs can cause major damage to your roof and gutter system.

☑️ To do: It is a great idea to be sure you trim the branches away from your roof. This could mean calling a professional to cut tree limbs back to protect your roof!

6. Check your roof’s flashing

One of the most common causes of roof leaks is the area around your chimneys and vents where your roof has “Flashing” installed. Flashing leaks are tedious to fix and identify, but they are often the culprit of roof leaks.

☑️ To do: Inspect the flashing around chimneys, vents, and other roof penetrations. Ensure it is in good condition and properly sealed to prevent water leaks.

7. Ventilation Inspection:

Ensure that your roof has proper ventilation. Good ventilation helps prevent the buildup of moisture in the attic, reducing the risk of ice dams and mold growth. You should also check pipe collars around your roof to be sure they’re not cracked. Fixing broken pipe collars before the winter arrives and snow melts will prevent leaks!

☑️ To do: Be sure your ventilation is up to par and ready for the winter. This could mean calling an HVAC company to help. You can do this every few years.

8. Insulate Attic:

Adequate insulation in the attic helps regulate the temperature, preventing heat from escaping through the roof. This can help prevent the formation of ice dams and reduce energy costs. While this might not seem like it falls under the umbrella of roof maintenance, it is a good idea to be sure you have this periodically inspected.

☑️ To do: You might not know what to look for, so in this case, be sure to call a ventilation expert or roofing company to help you inspect your attic insulation! Do this 1x every five years or so.

Bonus: Keep Leaves, Moss, and Mold Off Your Roof

Believe it or not, mold, moss, and other organic growth can negatively impact your roof shingles. Cleaning your roof should be part of your maintenance routine every few years. Depending on the roofing materials (usually asphalt shingles), your roof will age quicker when organic buildup accumulates on your roof’s shingles.

Roof Maintenace: 3 Things to Be Aware of:

Remember to prioritize safety when working on your roof. If you’re uncomfortable performing these tasks or require specialized skills, hiring a professional roofing contractor is advisable to ensure the work is done correctly and safely.

1. Be aware of Ice & Ice Dams

When a significant ice storm comes to the Treasure Valley, sometimes they can wreak havoc on our homes. It is always best to inspect your roof quickly after ice storms hit the area. You don’t need to get on your roof, just take a look around and see if you have major ice dams on your roof!

2. Be aware of Strong Winter Storm Winds

Strong winds – similar to ice storms – can cause harm to your home’s roof. In fact, missing shingles are often the byproduct of a significant wind storm. Luckily, a new roof installed by Legacy Roofing is rated for winds up to 130 MPH, which don’t often occur in the Boise/Treasure Valley area. However, for winter roofing concerns, be sure to check your roof after strong winds occur.

3. Remove Excess Snow and Other Debris

Your roof maintenance is an ongoing thing. Knowing this, when you have a significant snowstorm, understand that the more prolonged snow accumulates and sits on your roof, the greater the potential for issues. Accumulated snow is heavy, and when possible, you can remove snow with a rake. However, don’t hurt yourself in the process and this is not necessarily urgent. Just something to keep an eye on.

Signs It’s Time to Get a New Roof

Lastly, when it comes to your roof’s condition, sometimes your roof system might need to be replaced if it is beyond repair or maintenance. Here are some signs of significant damage or an aging roof that needs replacement:

1. Age of the Roof: Most asphalt shingle roofs have 20-25 years of lifespan. If your roof is approaching or has exceeded this age, it’s a good idea to start considering a replacement.
2. Curling or Buckling Shingles: Shingles that are curling, buckling, or losing granules may indicate that they are past their prime and not providing adequate protection.
3. Missing Shingles: Missing shingles on your roof can be vulnerable to leaks and other damage. Replace missing shingles promptly to prevent further issues.
4. Visible Damage: Inspect your roof for visible signs of damage, such as cracks, missing shingles, wind damage, dents from hail, or holes.
5. Leaks in the Attic or Ceiling: Water stains on your ceiling or attic are clear indicators of a roof leak, however, when addressing a roof leak if you notice more issues it could mean it is time for a new roof.
6. Sagging Roof Deck: A sagging roof deck may suggest structural issues and require immediate attention.
7. Granule Loss in Gutters: Check your gutters for excessive granules.
8. Moss or Algae Growth: Excessive moss or algae growth on your Boise roof can indicate a moisture problem and may lead to deterioration over time.

Final Word

Boise and the Treasure Valley are known for their beautiful summers, scenery, mountains, and year-cold weather in the winter! From a small ice dam to solid winds, your roof can endure harsh winters when you prepare ahead of time! Hopefully, this roof winterization list helps you!

Remember to prioritize safety when working on your roof. If you’re uncomfortable performing these tasks or require specialized skills, hiring a professional roofing contractor is advisable to ensure the work is done correctly and safely.

These are simple recommendations to maintain your roof and keep your roofing system in excellent working order. If you suspect a roof issue from attic ventilation to missing shingles, don’t hesitate to let the pros at Legacy Roofing of Idaho help you!