Texas weather has a mind of its own. And with the winter season upon us, many North Texans are not accustomed to how to properly prepare for snowstorms. It might seem unlikely that you will see a true snowstorm in DFW, but it’s been predicted that this winter will be one of the harshest we have seen.
To ensure that your home is safe during winter weather, we’ve come up with a to-do list that will keep your roof system strong and your home safe.

There are only three items on the to-do list—clean, inspect, and insulate. The first step is the most detailed. If you live in a neighborhood with a lot of trees, you have your work cut out for you. Cleaning off the roof (and gutters) can be a tedious task. Leaves, debris, and tree limbs can do serious damage to your roof. When accumulated in the gutters, the downspouts get clogged and any rain and melted ice and snow can damage your trim, siding, and roof system. Then you have to consider the damage of the extra weight of the leaves and debris. It’s altogether a huge mess.

To avoid this damage, clean your roof thoroughly and regularly throughout the fall. If you do not want to invest this much time into cleaning, you can purchase a gutter guard to prevent a large buildup in your gutters.

Once you’ve cleaned the roof and gutters, move on to step two: an inspection. Look for missing or loose shingles, look for any cracks or frayed edges. Check the flashing on your roof to ensure it is intact, checking the vent stacks, skylights, and any chimneys.

You can complete a self-inspection by using binoculars or climbing onto the roof. If you are not comfortable with these options, contact Joe Hall Roofing for a professional inspection. Our roofing experts are trained to look for the smallest details that indicate any issue. With a roof inspection, you can feel confident that your roof has been checked and is safe for the approaching winter weather.

Finally, after the roof inspection is complete, you are ready for your last step: insulation. It is crucial that your attic is properly ventilated and insulated. When the air is not flowing properly, you face the risk of leaks during a snowstorm, not to mention high energy bills.

Even in winter months, especially in North Texas, sunlight reaches the roof and heats up the attic. When there is not proper ventilation, this hot air causes moisture damage and can even create a mold and rotting issue. In addition, this heat can get into your home. And while this seems like it would save you energy during the winter, it can actually cause your living space to overheat.

It’s important that your attic is insulated properly to keep your family safe and sound during the winter. Winter is the season when people are indoors the most. Make sure your roof system is ready.