Syracuse is the snowiest city in the country, and the weight of snow and ice on your home’s roof can measure in the tons during the big snowstorms we know are imminent. Are your roof and gutters ready for winter? The Roofing Guys from Syracuse have roof-ready advice for all homeowners.

Get In the Gutters

With abundant foliage and dynamic colors, you can’t beat fall in CNY. The leaves sure can beat down your roof and gutter systems.

The first thing you should do is remove debris from the gutters. You can get on a ladder and clean them out by hand or with tools. Wear a mask to protect yourself from allergens and bacteria that could be built up.

You should also check the chimney for blockages or built-up debris. Check the chimney cap and inspect for damage.

Fix the Dam Problem

Ice dams are common in CNY and Syracuse in the freeze-thaw cycles and can build up slowly over the course of a season or year. Leaving ice dams untreated can be dangerous for your roof and the people below the lurking mass of ice and snow.

A snow rake and proper gutter cleaning can reduce the impact, but it will be hard to avoid the risk altogether. Just be consistent when raking during each storm, especially on the roof's side facing the sun.

Attic Overview

During one of the colder days, go into your attic and check the insulation for wear and tear or mold buildup. See if there are seal barriers broken where cold air or moisture is seeping in. Insulation issues can cause more ice dams and structural damage and risk your home's air quality and energy efficiency.

Stock Up

Don’t wait until the first big snowstorm to get your rock salt, snow rake, and insulated gloves. Gutter heat tape is another great tool to keep the weight of the snow from damaging gutters. These items will sell out quickly, especially with ongoing supply chain issues in the northeast, so get them now.

This is also a great time to make sure you’re signed up for Snow Safety Alerts from the city of Syracuse.

Trim Trees

Trimming the trees that loom above a roof can avoid any ice storm or heavy snow disasters. It’s also better for the three to trim in winter when they are dormant and less likely to have future growth impacted. Ideally, you should do this between November and March.

Schedule a Roof Inspection

That summer heatwave from August or storm damage from the spring and summer could have worn, torn, or cracked some roofing materials. You could also have leaks at connection points to the chimney, windows, attic, or vents. The Roofing Guys are experienced in checking for all the risks a homeowner might not see.

This is also a good time to schedule your post-winter roof inspection with The Roofing Guys to check for damage, leaks, or repair work in the spring.

The Number You’ll Need for Winter Roof Inspections and Repairs

Call The Roofing Guys now to schedule your winter roof inspection. Our number is (315)558-9511. You should also store that number in your contact list now in case of a roofing emergency this winter, as The Roofing Guys offer 24-hour service.