๐ How to Prepare Your Roof for Winter
How to Prepare Your Roof for Winter in Minnesota (So There Are No Surprises)
Minnesota winters are no joke. Between heavy snow, ice dams, and freezing temps, your roof faces months of punishment. The good news? A little preparation now can save you thousands in repairs later. Here’s how homeowners in South St. Paul, Minneapolis, Edina, Wayzata, and Minnetonka can get their roof winter-ready in 2025.
1. Clean your gutters and downspouts
When gutters are clogged with leaves, water has nowhere to go. In freezing temps, that water becomes ice dams that force meltwater under shingles. Result? Leaks, rot, and interior damage. Cleaning your gutters in fall is the cheapest insurance you’ll ever buy.
2. Inspect flashing and seals
Flashing around chimneys, skylights, and vent pipes is a weak spot. Cracked sealant or loose metal can let water sneak in. Even a tiny gap becomes a big problem once snow starts melting and refreezing.
3. Look inside your attic
Your attic tells you the truth about your roof. If you see warm air escaping (frost on rafters, uneven insulation, drafts), it means heat is melting the snow on your roof — the perfect setup for ice dams. Insulating and ventilating your attic helps your roof and lowers energy bills.
4. Trim overhanging branches
Snow-laden branches hanging over your roof are like loaded slingshots. A single break during a storm can puncture shingles or gutters. Trim them back now before the first snowfall.
5. Schedule a professional inspection
Even if you’re handy, some roof problems aren’t visible from the ground. A professional inspection ensures you’re not heading into winter with hidden issues. At Atlas, we specialize in roof inspections and winter preparation across the Twin Cities.
Why it matters:
A roof leak in January isn’t just inconvenient — it’s expensive. Emergency winter repairs cost double, and water damage spreads fast. Preparing now means peace of mind all season.
๐ Serving South St. Paul, Minneapolis, Edina, Wayzata, Minnetonka.
๐ Ready to get your roof winter-proofed? Contact Atlas today and let’s take care of it before the snow arrives.
