It’s the most magical time of year, and while the elves at the North Pole are wrapping up presents for Christmas, your children might have their own concerns about Santa’s yearly arrival. Nine reindeer and a sleigh can seem like a lot for one roof to hold, after all. While Santa and his reindeer are seasoned experts at their Christmas Eve route, we have a roofing list for you to check twice to put your children’s minds at ease.
Getting Your Roof Santa-Ready
To make sure that your roof is ready for Santa’s nightly journey, check over the following.
1. Scan your roof and framing for any signs of sagging or popped shingles.
Nothing interferes with a sleigh’s landing like a rough runway, so make sure that your roof is in tip-top condition. Not only will scheduling regular roofing inspections every two to three years help keep your roof Santa-ready, but it can help prevent other problems, too. Warning signs like loose shingles or excess granules collecting in your gutters can be a sign that it’s time to schedule maintenance. It’s also a good idea to take this time to clear any debris off of the roof. Keeping your roof clean before there are problems can help you avoid more expensive repairs in the future.
2. Check your chimney for any signs of damage or wear.
Old Saint Nick can make his way down most chimneys, but a deteriorating chimney can slow the jolly old elf down. Noticing cracks in the chimney’s mortar or out-of-place bricks can be a sign that your chimney needs repairs. There are other things to look out for, too. Smoke collecting in the room can be a sign that a chimney needs cleaning. Signs of rust or white stains on a chimney can indicate mold. Consider having maintenance done before settling in for a long winter’s nap.
3. Give your gutters a once-over.
Not only will maintaining your gutters make your roof safer for Santa, but it’ll also improve your roof’s longevity. Take some time to remove any leaves or other debris that might be cluttering your gutter, especially in late fall and winter. Also, double-check to make sure that your gutters are firmly attached to your house’s roofline. If you’re looking to make maintenance easier year-round, consider trimming back your trees. You may also want to consider installing gutter guards.
4. Protect your roof against ice dams.
Ice dams aren’t just slippery and risky for reindeer to land on; ice dams can also indicate bigger problems for your roof. Usually, an ice dam is created by problems from your home’s ventilation or insulation. These hot spots on your roof cause snow to melt and then re-freeze elsewhere. This can cause even more damage, including causing gutters to break free from the house, causing water leaks in the house, or causing mold growth underneath roofing shingles. To protect your house against ice dams, make sure your attic is properly insulated and regularly clean your gutters. If they become a bigger problem, you might want to hire a roofing company like our team at McMahon to help.
Winter Roof Repairs and Maintenance
Getting your roof Santa-ready involves a lot of maintenance, but with the right preparation work, you can make sure your roof is ready for his team of reindeer. If you’re looking for help keeping your Mundelein roof sleigh-worthy for Christmas Eve — or any other time of year — McMahon Services and Construction is here to help. From service to damage restoration to full replacement, we’ve got the tools and know-how to help you get your roof in peak condition. From asphalt roofs to tile roofs to wood shake roofs, we’ve got experience with all kinds of roofing, and we believe that the long-term performance of your roof is paramount.
We provide service in Chicago, as well as the greater Chicago area including Arlington Heights, Berwyn, Des Plaines, Evanston, Mount Prospect, Grayslake, Libertyville, Oak Park, Palatine, Wheaton, Naperville, Waukegan Schaumburg, Skokie, and surrounding Illinois service areas. Contact us today, and let us know how we can help you!