Getting Your Roof Ready for Winter Freezes in Georgia and Tennessee

Winters in north Georgia and Middle Tennessee are mild compared to much of the country, but we still get a handful of hard freezes and the occasional ice storm. That is enough to turn a small gap into a leak. A little preparation now keeps your roof watertight all season.

Why freezes matter

Water that gets under a lifted shingle, behind loose flashing or into a clogged gutter freezes overnight and expands. It thaws the next afternoon, runs a little farther and freezes again. Each cycle makes the gap a bit bigger.

Before the first cold snap

• Clean the gutters one last time after the leaves are down, so melting water has somewhere to go.
• Fix lifted or missing shingles now, while the weather is still good for repairs.
• Check the flashing around chimneys, vents and skylights, and reseal any gaps.
• Look at the roof edge. A sound drip edge keeps meltwater out of the fascia.
• Check the attic for good ventilation and dry insulation. A warm attic can melt ice on the roof unevenly.
• Trim heavy limbs that could come down under the weight of ice.

After an ice storm

Stay off the roof and keep clear of icicles and sagging gutters. Once it thaws, look from the ground for damage and call for an inspection if you see anything unusual or notice a new stain inside.

If your roof needs a few repairs before winter, now is the time. Fall and early winter scheduling fills up quickly after the first cold front.