Winter’s freezing temperatures and harsh weather conditions can take a toll on your home, especially your roofing. Severe storms can turn minor issues into serious problems that allow water to seep inside. Below are a few tips for preparing your home for Nebraska's cold winter ahead.

A Guide to Winterizing Your Home

1. Clean the Gutters

The gutters direct rain and snow runoff from the roof to the ground so that the moisture flows away from the foundation. Fall leaves, twigs, and animal nests can trap water on the roof, which may form ice dams when temperatures drop. These can force ice underneath the roof shingles and potentially damage the underlayment. 

Cleaning out the gutters at the end of fall will keep water from pooling on the roof or pouring down the sides of the house. Clear gutters can also protect the foundation, preventing structural damage.

2. Check for Drafts

Cold air blowing through your home makes the space uncomfortable, and it also forces your HVAC system to work harder. Unnecessary wear on your heating equipment will cause it to break down when you need it most and drive up your energy bills.

Check for drafts by holding a lit candle along the edges of doors, windows, and the entrance to the attic. If the flame flickers, you may need to replace the caulk or check the insulation in the ceiling.

3. Trim Back Trees

Winter storms often bring strong winds that can knock dead branches onto your home, breaking shingles and damaging the structure underneath. Twigs and branches scraping across the shingles can also wear off the granules that provide sun and water protection.

Before winter hits, have a landscaper examine your trees and cut away any dead or dying branches. Limbs overhanging your home should also be trimmed back at least six feet in all directions.

With over a decade of experience serving homeowners throughout the Omaha area, Fimple Roofing knows how to protect your roofing from Nebraska's harsh winters. Whether you need a routine inspection or emergency repairs, you can rely on their team for high-quality workmanship and dependable results on every job. Visit their website for more information on their residential roofing services, follow their Facebook for tips and advice, or call (402) 706-0356 to schedule an estimate today.