Keeping Your Roof in Top Shape During the Christmas Season
Along with the Christmas season come festive lights and chilly nights. But while you’re decking the halls with and hanging those shiny decorations, your roof is working overtime to protect your home from the unpredictable winter weather. We know that your roof might not be top of mind during the holidays, but trust us when we say taking care of it now can save you a lot of stress and money later on.
Here are some tips, courtesy of Robbins Roofing, to help you keep your roof in great shape amidst the cold weather during Christmas!
1. Start With a Quick Roof Check
Before winter fully settles in, it’s a good idea to take a quick look at your roof to see if anything seems off. You don’t need to climb up there—you can just grab some binoculars and inspect it from the ground. Look for things like missing shingles, sagging areas, or dirt and debris that may have built up over the fall.
Pay special attention to spots like roof valleys (where two slopes meet) since they tend to collect leaves and water. Also, check the flashing around vents, chimneys, and skylights. Loose or damaged flashing is one of the most common ways water sneaks into your home and leads to leaking roofs during the colder months. Roofing cement or silicone caulk can help restore a waterproof seal.
If you spot anything that seems concerning, it’s always a good idea to call in a professional for a closer look. Robbins Roofing offers roof inspections which can help catch small issues before they become bigger problems.
2. Check the Gutters
Your gutters are important in keeping your roof in top shape, especially in cold weather. When they’re clogged with leaves and debris, water can back up and lead to ice dams—those pesky build-ups of ice that block water from draining properly and can cause roof leaks.
Cleaning your gutters is a must before the cold temperatures arrive. Use a sturdy ladder and a scoop to clear out any gunk, and rinse everything with a garden hose to make sure water flows smoothly. If you’d rather not climb up your roof, gutter guards can be a great investment as they keep dirt and leaves out to make cleaning easier in the future. Alternatively, Robbins Roofing also provides exterior home improvement services like gutter cleaning to Oklahoma City homes and surrounding areas.
3. Be Smart About Holiday Lights
Hanging Christmas lights is one of the best parts of the season, but it’s also one of the easiest ways to damage your roof if you’re not careful. Skip the nails, staples, and anything that involves puncturing your shingles or gutters. Instead, use clips designed for roof edges and gutters. Installation is easy, won’t cause damage, and can hold your lights securely even in windy conditions.
For larger decorations, make sure they’re lightweight and properly tied down. Heavy decorations can put extra strain on your roof, and you don’t want anything flying off or shifting in bad weather.
4. Watch Out for Snow and Ice
Oklahoma winters aren’t as harsh as in some parts of the country, but winter snow or ice can still cause trouble when they show up and accumulate. Even a small amount of snow can add weight to your home’s roof, potentially damaging roofing materials. Additionally, ice can block drainage and damage shingles if left unchecked.
If you get heavy snow in your area, a roof rake can be a lifesaver. It lets you safely remove snow from the ground without climbing up. Just be gentle to avoid scraping or damaging your shingles. For ice buildup, heat cables can help melt it away, but these need to be installed carefully by a professional.
5. Check Your Attic
What’s happening inside your attic can affect your roof more than you might think. That’s why it’s something you shouldn’t overlook when it comes to cold-weather roofing maintenance. If your attic doesn’t have enough insulation or ventilation, it can trap warm air that melts the snow on your roof. That melted snow can slide down and refreeze at the edges, creating ice dams that can cause significant damage to shingles, gutters, and even other parts of the system like your roof deck.
Take a look at your attic insulation. If it’s thin or uneven, adding more can help keep things consistent. Ventilation is just as important. Check that the soffit and ridge vents are clear and letting air flow freely. This keeps your attic temperature balanced and helps prevent ice dams from forming in the first place.
6. Trim Overhanging Branches
Most homes have trees nearby, and while it’s common, they can be quite risky during winter. Overhanging branches can scrape against your roof, knocking off asphalt shingles, or causing roof damage during windy days. If ice or snow builds on those branches, they could break and fall onto your roof, causing serious problems and making that area more vulnerable to weather damage.
Use a pole saw to trim back branches that hang too close to your roof, or hire a tree service if the job feels too big to handle. A good rule of thumb is to keep branches at least six to ten feet away from your roof.
7. Keep an Eye Out for Leaks
Even with the best preparation, winter weather can sometimes lead to leaks, especially if your roof surface and flashing don’t have a watertight seal. If you notice water spots on your ceiling, peeling paint, or dripping water, it’s time to act fast. Leaks often come from damaged flashing, clogged gutters, or ice dams, so addressing these issues right away is key to preventing more serious damage.
For leaks that are already happening, call a professional roofing contractor like Robbins Roofing. We can pinpoint the exact problem and fix it before it gets worse.
8. Schedule a Post-Winter Inspection
Once the Christmas season winds down, don’t forget about your roof. Winter weather, even mild, can cause wear and tear over time. Scheduling a professional inspection in late winter or early spring can help you catch and fix issues right away.
Inspections by roofing professionals are especially useful for spotting hidden damage—like loose shingles or small leaks—that aren’t visible from the ground. Whether you have asphalt shingle or metal roofs, this inspection is important in maintaining your winter roof and preventing structural damage.
Trust Robbins Roofing to Keep Your Roof Holiday-Ready
Taking care of your roof during the busy Christmas season can be easy when you have the right people on your side! With a little prep and attention, you can protect your home and enjoy the holidays worry-free. And if you need a hand with roof work, Robbins Roofing provides roof repair, new roof installation services, as well as exterior renovation or exterior remodeling services to complement your winter roof.
Remember—no matter what the roofing project is, our expert team can handle it! We specialize in making sure your roof is ready for the winter months as well as warmer weather, so contact us today to learn more about our services!
