DIY Roofing Tips from a Contractor

Now that winter has arrived in full force in Northern California, you need to pay attention to your roof. Your roof protects you from the harsh elements of the winter season, keep it in top shape by following five winter roofing tips from our home improvement experts.

Trim Tree Branches

Pruning during dormancy is the most common practice. It results in a vigorous burst of new growth in the spring and should be used if that is the desired effect. It is usually best to wait until the coldest part of winter has passed. Some species, such as maple, walnuts and birches, may “bleed”—when the sap begins to flow. This is not harmful and will cease when the tree leafs out.

Remove Debris

Clearing your yard of branches, leaves, and other debris is liberating, but you end up with a giant pile of yard waste. Here’s what to do with it. If you have plants, old sod, and trimmings left over after cleanup, you’re probably wondering how to get rid of them. Any plants that can be saved or potted can be used in another part of your home or given away. But the rest of the organic material needs to be disposed of responsibly.

Clean Gutters

Clean gutters at least once a year — twice a year if you have overhanging trees. Also, clean clogged gutters after big storms. Clogs often occur where downspouts join the gutter system — check these areas closely.

Remove Snow

The critical factor in determining excessive snow loads on your roof isn’t the depth of the snow, it’s the weight, says home improvement expert Jon Eakes. That’s because wet snow is a whole lot heavier than dry, fluffy snow. In fact, six inches of wet snow is equal to the weight of about 38 inches of dry snow. That’s a huge difference! The good news is that your roof is required by building codes to withstand the heaviest snows for your part of the country. “Theoretically, if your roof is built to code, it’s built to support more than the normal load of snow and ice,” says Eakes. How to know if you’ve got wet or dry snow? You back will let you know. Simply heft a few shovelfuls — you should be able to quickly tell. Plus, local weather forecasts should alert you if snow loads are becoming excessive.

Install Attic Insulation

Insulation levels are specified by R-Value. R-Value is a measure of insulation's ability to resist heat flow. The higher the R-Value, the better the thermal performance of the insulation. The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to R-38 or about 10 to 14 inches, depending on insulation type. When adding additional insulation, you do not have to use the same type of insulation that currently exists in your attic. You can add loose fill on top of fiberglass batts or blankets, and vice-versa. If you use fiberglass over loose fill, make sure the fiberglass batt has no paper or foil backing; it needs to be "unfaced." If you choose to add loose fill, it may be wise to hire a professional, as the application requires the use of a blowing machine, although some home improvement stores offer rentals of this machine.

Safety Precautions

Don’t be a hero. We never recommend working on a roof alone. Should an accident happen, there should be someone there to help.

Your ladder should always be on a solid, level surface. If your roof is uneven, add a ladder leveler. If the feet of your ladder are in grass or dirt, dig small holes for the feet so the ladder doesn’t slide on the grass or dirt. If your ladder is on a patio or deck, attach a board behind the bottom of your ladder feet to keep it from slipping or sliding on the surface. Always extend the ladder at least 3 rungs above the contact point on the gutter as to be able to reach it during the dissension approach.

Avoid working on a wet roof. The roof can be very slippery and we

t leaves can make it even worse.

Always use a safety harness. By attaching it to a permanent roof anchor on the ridge of the roof, it can prevent a nasty fall and injuries.

Wear safety shoes or boots with good traction. This will help reduce slipping on the roof. Also, wear eye protection and a hard hat.

If you are working on the roof doing repairs yourself. Keep your work area around you clean from debris. Nails and roof material can create a tripping or slipping hazard to you want to avoid.

Attach tie down straps from the gutter spikes to the ladder or to eliminate ladder movement and for safe footing. By creating these temporary stepping areas, you can reduce the chance of slipping.

Keep an eye on the weather. If a storm is in the forecast you may want to reschedule your project for another day. Keep in mind, in the northwest, storms can roll in quickly and create a very slippery surface if it starts to rain. Also, a strong gust of wind can sweep you off your feet, so plan accordingly with the weather in mind.

Keep your eyes on the prize! (so to speak). Depending on where you live, you may have a fantastic view from your roof, and become distracted from the task at hand. This can lead to tripping over material and causing an accident. Get your work done; then admire the view once the roof project is finished.

Afraid of heights? Scrap any ides you have of getting on the roof. It may not seem like a very high roof to you from the ground, but knowing your physical limitations and fears can prevent a real issue if you think you can overcome a fear and head up the ladder. Remember, no one is afraid of heights when they are on the ground.

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