Preparing Your Roof for Winter Storms in the Puget Sound Area

Winter storms can bring heavy rain, high winds and even snow to parts of the Puget Sound region, all of which can wreak havoc on your roof if it’s not properly prepared. A well-maintained roof is your first line of defense against the elements, protecting your home and family from costly damage.

Preparing your roof for winter storms ensures it can handle the season’s challenges, from gale-force winds to torrential downpours.

Inspect Your Roof for Damage

A thorough inspection is the first step in preparing your roof for winter storms. Look for:

• Missing or Damaged Shingles: Replace any shingles that are cracked, curled or missing. These weak points can let water seep through and cause leaks.
  
  
• Signs of Wear: Check for granule loss on asphalt shingles or any visible signs of aging on your roofing material.
  
  
• Sagging Areas: Structural issues may indicate that your roof needs immediate reinforcement.

Although homeowners should visually check their roof from the ground, it’s typically not advisable to climb up on your roof regularly. Roofers are trained to spot damage or wear a homeowner might miss. For hard-to-reach areas or a more detailed assessment, hire a professional roofer to perform a full inspection.

Reinforce Shingles and Roofing Materials

Shingles are one of the most vulnerable parts of your roof during high winds and heavy rain. A roofer can reinforce or repair damaged shingles and other roofing materials. Some things a professional roofer can do include:

• Seal Loose Shingles: Roofers may use roofing cement to secure any shingles that are slightly loose.
  
  
• Consider Wind-Resistant Shingles: If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, upgrading to wind-resistant shingles can provide better protection during storms.
  
  
• Repair Gaps and Tears: Any underlayment tears or gaps around vents and chimneys should be professionally repaired to prevent water infiltration.

Check Flashing and Seals

Flashing, the metal strips that protect joints and edges, is crucial for keeping water out. Damaged or loose flashing can lead to significant leaks.

• Inspect Around Protrusions: Roofers should pay close attention to areas around chimneys, skylights and vent pipes where flashing is often installed.
  
  
• Reapply Caulk or Sealant: If the sealant around the flashing has deteriorated, it should be reapplied to ensure watertight protection.
  
  Replace Corroded Flashing: If a roofer notices rust or corrosion, affected sections should be replaced immediately.

Trim Nearby Branches

Overhanging tree branches can be hazardous during winter storms. High winds can cause branches to snap, potentially puncturing your roof or damaging shingles.

To avoid this, cut back any branches that are within six feet of your roof. It’s also advisable to remove dead or weak branches. Most homeowners will likely benefit from hiring a professional to trim their trees safely.

Clean Your Gutters

Clogged gutters can lead to water pooling on your roof, increasing the risk of leaks and ice dams.

• Remove Debris: Clear out leaves, twigs and dirt to ensure water flows freely.
  
  
• Install Gutter Guards: Gutter covers prevent debris from accumulating, making gutter maintenance much easier and reducing wear.
  
  
• Check Downspouts: Ensure downspouts direct water away from your home to prevent foundation and landscaping damage.

Prepare for Emergencies

Even with proper preparation, storms can sometimes cause unexpected damage. Being ready for emergencies can make a significant difference.

A heavy-duty tarp can temporarily cover leaks or damaged areas until repairs are made. It’s also a good idea to know the number of a trusted local roofing contractor who can provide immediate storm damage assistance.

Our roofers have extensive experience repairing storm damage and assisting homeowners with the claims process. We strive to respond quickly to any storm damage repair calls and will ensure you don’t have to deal with claim denials due to inadequate documentation.

Schedule a Professional Inspection

While DIY roof checks are better than nothing, a professional roofing inspection is the most dependable way to ensure nothing is overlooked. Experts can identify subtle issues, such as loose or misaligned shingles or damaged flashing, that could worsen during a storm.

Protect Your Seattle Roof From Winter Storms

At Chet’s Roofing & Construction, we specialize in helping Seattle homeowners prepare their roofs for winter storms.

Don’t wait until the storm arrives—contact us at (877) 611-1514 for a professional inspection and make your roof winter-ready.