Is your home in Westfield thoroughly prepared for the winter months? As a homeowner or business owner in Westfield, it’s important to ensure that the roof of your building or home is ready to face the winter weather and that you have a plan in place in case any winter roof damage occurs. So, what are some of the most common winter roof problems or winter storm damage, and what can be done to minimize them? 

Below, we’ll dive into:

• 6 common winter roof issues in Westfield
• Tips to help you prepare your home for the cold
• Information about Nextgen Roofing

 

Westfield Roofing: 6 Common Winter Roof Problems 

Heavy Snowfall

You can expect a lot of heavy snowfall during the winter months in Westfield. If too much snow accumulates, the weight can sometimes weigh down your roofing and cause structural issues to your home. 

Hail Damage

During a hailstorm, you can incur damage that ranges from dented gutters and roofs to cracked siding, bruised and missing shingles, shattered windows, water damage, and compromised structural integrity of your home’s foundation. 

Harsh Winds

Westfield is prone to harsh winds during the wintertime. Harsh winds can cause a lot of problems for your roofing, such as loose, cracked, or missing shingles, damaged flashing, or even issues with your chimney.

Weak Tree Limbs & Branches

During the winter, the potential for winter ice, snow, and high winds can cause any loose tree limbs and branches to fall onto your home and cause roof damage. 

Ice Dams

In the wintertime in Westfield, your home may experience ice dams. Ice dams are when the snow on your roof is melting slightly, either from your home’s heat or the sun, and then refreezes. Westfield often experiences freezing temperatures during the winter and the weight of the ice dam on your roof can cause leaks and has the potential to cause costly shingle damage. 

Roof Leaks

Another common winter roof problem is a roof leak. A roof leak can hurt your roof’s health and the overall energy efficiency of your home’s insulation. During the winter, your roof will expand and shrink due to temperature fluctuations. In turn, this could cause any leaks in your roof to worsen over time which could cause your roof to leak more and condensation to potentially build up in the attic of your residence. 

 

Tips for Preparing Your Home for Winter

Now, that you know the types of winter roof damage that your home can sustain, here are several tips for preparing your residence for winter in Westfield.

Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection: Having a professional roofing assessment done on your roof when the weather is still fair is a fantastic way to discover the main issues that need to be addressed before winter comes.

Clean Your Gutter System: It’s smart to prep your gutters for winter by having them inspected and cleaned. Maintaining your gutters before the winter months will ensure that they can effectively funnel water away from your roofing and home.

Clear Away Branches: Another step that you can take is safely removing any overgrown foliage or weak branches that are near your roofing or home. Trimming and clearing away overhanging branches will help prevent them from falling on your home and causing various levels of damage.

Upgrade the Ventilation & Insulation: Have you noticed irregular temperatures in your home? Before it gets too cold, it’s a great idea to ensure that your home is properly insulated and ventilated. Having a professional inspection done will help you evaluate if there is more insulation that can be added that will help you regulate your home’s temperature, reduce your monthly electric bills, and ensure that you will stay warm this upcoming winter season in Westfield.

Plan for An Emergency: The final step in prepping your roof for winter is having an emergency plan if your home sustains damage during the winter months. We recommend gathering any online storm damage resources you can find from your local Westfield government. In addition, it’s also a good idea to choose a local roofing company that you know has experience with storm damage repair and restoration. 

 

Nextgen Roofing: Your Trusted Roofing Company in Westfield

Nextgen Roofing is a local roofing company that is committed to offering the Westfield community durable and tailored home improvement solutions. Our roofing team is highly skilled and ready to help you find the best solutions for all of your roofing needs.

Reach out to us today to request a free estimate!