Make Sure Your Roof Is Ready for Anything With Chavez Enterprises – 7 Tips for Preparing for Fall & Winter Weather in Columbia, MO

Follow Our Guide to Securing Your Columbia, MO Residential Roof for the Colder Seasons 

While the hot days in Columbia, MO slow down and make way for the autumn weather, you need to check on your roofing to ensure it’s capable of handling the cold. Falling leaves, stray branches, snow, and ice can leave several negative effects on the roof that’s responsible for protecting your home. Before hanging up the holiday decorations, mid-Missouri homeowners should thoroughly prepare their roofing for fall and winter by cleaning around the exterior and consulting a seasoned contractor. 

If you ignore your roof during the most difficult season of the year, it can not only leave you with expensive replacement costs, but also bring multiple safety concerns to your home. Take action by following our roofing tips and calling Chavez Enterprises for an inspection in Columbia, MO!

#1: Inspect your mid-Missouri attic’s insulation & ventilation system

When your insulation and ventilation aren’t functioning properly near the roof, it can leave your Columbia, MO home at risk of ice damming in the winter. Ice dams are made when snow on the roof melts and refreezes, building up and causing damage to the shingles. It can even let water into your attic and leak through the ceilings! To prevent this issue, make sure your attic has decent insulation with an R-value of at least 49. Additionally, you need to optimize your ventilation system for it to operate with continuous airflow and manage excess moisture from the outside. Improper ventilation can harm your roof in both the hot and cold seasons, so don’t skip this step when prepping in Columbia, MO.

#2: Clean out the gutters on your roof in Columbia, MO

One of the first signs of fall arriving is when the trees start to change color and shed their leaves, and while beautiful, it can bring trouble to your Columbia, MO roofing. Leaves and debris can accumulate in your gutters and stop them from draining water the way they were designed to do. If this clog remains going into winter, all the dirt and buildup will freeze and become even more difficult to resolve. You can maintain your gutters this fall in mid-Missouri by having them checked for quality by a roofer, installing gutter guards, and cleaning the leaves out while the weather still permits it.

#3: Use durable materials when installing or replacing your Columbia, MO roofing

Weaker roofing materials can’t withstand sub-zero temperatures or high-speed wind. The best way to ensure your home has protection is to prioritize the roof you choose. Whether you’re scheduling repairs or planning a full roof replacement, leave it to a contractor like Chavez Enterprises! On top of being a dependable roofing service, we supply the most innovative and long-lasting shingles from Owens Corning. With endless color options and secure nailing lines that won’t budge, your home in Columbia, MO will stay safe through the toughest fall and winter conditions. We also partner with CertainTeed, a company bringing state-of-the-art designs to residential and commercial contracting.

#4: Hang up your roofing decorations before the weather gets too cold in mid-MO

Are you getting in the spirit for the festivities to come? Many homeowners love to decorate the outside of their homes for the holidays, including the roof. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you should never nail lights to the shingles of your roof in Columbia, MO; instead, try roof clips or adhesive hooks to support your decor. Timing is also essential when changing your roof’s appearance. It is better to hang everything up while the temperatures are still moderate, as it can be dangerous to use a ladder in slippery, freezing conditions. 

#5: Trim branches that could fall on your roof in Columbia, MO

Similar to the falling of leaves, many twigs and branches can fly off nearby trees and land on your roof. These larger items may scratch the shingles and contribute to more clutter on the surface. You can prevent this dilemma early in the mid-Missouri fall by clipping overhanging branches before the wind can take them away. This will also help you reduce the amount of leaves that fall into your gutter. If there are any structurally weak trees surrounding your home in Columbia, MO, it might be best to cut them down in preparation for the unpredictable weather. 

#6: Make sure your mid-Missouri home’s flashing is in good condition

The flashing around your roof is crucial for protecting it from water damage, especially in the extremes of winter. Flashing, typically made of galvanized steel, aluminum, or copper, is installed at vulnerable points where water could penetrate, such as around chimneys, vents, and wall-to-roof intersections. Over time, flashing can become damaged or deteriorate due to exposure to the elements, strong winds, and temperature fluctuations, leading to costly problems like wood rot, mold growth, and structural damage. Review your roof’s flashing in Columbia, MO with an expert who can identify potential issues or make quick repairs.

#7: Have your roof inspected by a professional contractor in Columbia, MO

Your eyes probably aren’t trained to see roof damage the way a qualified builder can, and when cold weather is just around the corner, you can’t take risks. From missing shingles to improper gutter control, a few mistakes can become a huge problem for homeowners in Columbia, MO. In the middle of winter, there will be little to no availability from roofers in the area, so planning an inspection should be at the top of your to-do list. A roofing veteran will catch early signs of deterioration, give you an honest quote on repairs, and even help you file an insurance claim if you have faced extreme weather damage.   

Want a Roof That Will Easily Last Through the Columbia, MO Fall & Winter? Get in Touch With Chavez Enterprises

Put your home’s most important feature first with Chavez Enterprises, the most versatile roofing company in Columbia, MO! We can cover all your roof needs: replacements, repairs, inspections, and more to bring you the perfect home for handling the cold. Contact us today and get started on your roofing project in mid-MO.