December
20
Where the Snow at? ❄☃
The official start of winter is TOMORROW, and all the long-range winter outlooks for 2022-2023 have been released. Thanks to conditions in the Pacific, it appears that we’ll have a third consecutive La Nina winter. But what that means in terms of what weather we’ll actually get in the Southeast remains to be seen. NOAA is calling for a warmer-than-average winter in North Carolina and Virginia, but the Farmer’s Almanac is calling for below-normal winter temperatures in our area. And trusted local meteorologist Dr. Ray Russell predicts that the amount of snow we’ll receive in western NC and VA should be right at the 10-year average.
But here’s where things get even more interesting. Many weather pundits are pointing to the fact that winter could indeed start out with a bang this year. The NOAA/Rutgers Global Snow Lab just released data noting that the amount of snowpack over the Arctic through November is the largest we’ve seen in 56 years of reporting. Russia, Canada, and Alaska are already snow-covered. What does this mean for us? The more snow-covered ground that northerly winds cross, the colder the air will be when it gets to us in the Southeast. Could this be a winter to remember? It’s too early to say, but the signs do seem to be trending in that direction!
Now is a Great Time to Check on Your Roof
No matter how much frozen precipitation we end up getting this winter, one thing all types of precipitation have in common is that they’re made of water. The persistent presence of moisture on your roof can do some real damage over time, and can also shorten its longevity. One way to help counter that is to do some regular inspections and roof maintenance. Now that we’re at the end of fall, this is really a perfect time to check on your roof, for a number of reasons:
√ All the leaves that will come down have pretty much fallen now.
√ Most wasps, bees, hornets, and other flying pests have become dormant.
√ It’s a little easier to spend some time checking your roof when temperatures are cool, versus the summer months when your roof can be uncomfortably hot to be around.
√ Since you no longer have any grass to mow, your roof is a good place to focus more of your outdoor energy. 👍
Winter Prep Roof Checklist
Here are some things to keep in mind when doing a pre-winter roof check:
♦ Remove any debris from your roof
After the summer and fall storms, you may still have some small limbs or other debris lying around on your roof. Now is a good time to go ahead and get those removed. The longer any debris stays on your roof, the more shingle granules it can help rub off. And anywhere that debris is touching your roof can increase the chances of moisture infiltration, too.
♦ Clean out your gutters
Gutters are great for collecting water off of your roof, but they’re also known to collect leaves, twigs, and other debris over time. If your gutters aren’t flowing properly, they can’t do their job properly either. Clogged gutters can also put undue stress on the edges of your roof, and can also cause water to back up to your roof and support structure.
Tired of having to clean out those gutters every season? Right now is also a great time to schedule a gutter guard installation with Skywalker Roofing, so you’ll never have to clear those gutters again!
♦ Trim back any nearby trees or tall shrubs
Winter is also a good time to do some pruning of any branches overhang your roof, or are in otherwise close proximity to your building. With the leaves being down, it should also be easier to see where you may need to cut. Pruning is generally healthy for trees, and will also help prevent any weaker branches from breaking off and landing on your roof during a snow or ice storm.
♦ Let a roofing professional take a look
Concerned that you may have an issue with your roof? Nothing beats having the trained eye of a roofing professional take a closer look. Choosing to invest in some preventive roof inspection and maintenance now could really save you a lot of money and frustration down the line. The right roofing expert will be able to identify an issue that may be able to be solved with some simple repairs, which would certainly be a cheaper option than having to put on a new roof sooner than you might like.
Best Winter Roofing Solutions
If it turns out that you really do need some professional roof attention, can your roof really be worked on in the wintertime? Absolutely.
One common myth about roofing is that winter temperatures are simply too cold for a shingle installation. Not true! Skywalker Roofing’s own “Stone Cold” Luke Wilson actually puts that theory to the test in this episode of Roofing Mythbusters. Wilson lays out some Duration Shingles from Owens Corning on a mid-January day in North Carolina, and proceeds to demonstrate how shingles will still adhere properly, even in cold weather conditions.
The Pros at Skywalker Roofing Have you Covered in NC and VA
Many roofing contractors seem to care more about getting your money than they do about actually providing you with the best roof solution. Don’t let yourself fall into that trap! It’s better to partner with an honest, reputable, local roofing provider who will take the time to help you consider all your options, including viable roof repairs where appropriate.
Skywalker Roofing works with every popular roofing material, and we serve both residential and commercial roofs. We provide trusted roof repair services, along with the best roofing installation and roof replacement services in North Carolina and southern Virginia. Looking for the best, longest-lasting roof you can get? We specialize in the custom fabrication and installation of standing-seam metal roofs, too!
Give us a call today at +1 (336) 627-5596, and let’s schedule your FREE initial roof assessment and personal consultation! Experience the Skywalker difference for yourself!
