How to prepare for roofing emergencies this winter

In most parts of the U.S., winter weather can be pretty unpredictable — sometimes even treacherous — and it can be especially rough on roofs. Snow and ice can build up quickly during storms, leading to ice dams , structural damage and safety hazards. Windstorms can lead to fallen trees and branches, which can cause significant roof damage. Roof leaks are also more likely to form during prolonged rain and snowfall.

A little preparation can go a long way when it comes to protecting your roof from harsh winter conditions. Understanding what to look for and how to handle unexpected issues quickly can help you protect your home and avoid costly roof repairs this winter.

3 simple ways to prepare for (or prevent) a winter roof emergency

Depending on the severity of the winter weather in your area, some emergencies are impossible to avoid. However, there's plenty you can do to reduce your chances of dealing with a compromised roof this winter.

1) Tackle fall roof maintenance while you still have time

Prevention should be your first line of defense when it comes to preparing for winter roofing emergencies. By handling roof maintenance tasks in summer and fall, you can significantly improve your roof's ability to stand up to rough weather.

Here are some examples of important fall roof maintenance tasks :

• Get an annual roof inspection

• Clean out your gutters

• Remove tree debris from your roof

• Make sure your attic is properly insulated

• Address any necessary roof repairs before winter arrives

• Remove precarious trees or tree limbs around your roof line and property

For a deep dive into roof maintenance, see our annual roof maintenance checklist .

2) Always have a roof rake, snow shovel and heavy-duty tarp on hand

If you live in an area that gets snow, ice or heavy winds, it's likely you'll have to deal with some roof chores throughout the winter, no matter how much you prepare ahead of time.

During heavy snowfall, it's important to prevent too much snow from building up on your roof, as this can lead to things like ice dams or even structural damage. An extendable roof rake is the best tool for safely and easily removing snow buildup from your roof, like this one available on Amazon:

After raking off your roof, you'll end up with a hefty snow bank around the perimeter of your home. It's best to clear the excess before it begins to melt, so that the water doesn't drain into your home's foundation.

To do this, use a sturdy snow shovel to clear the snow away from the edge of your home. Here's an example of a popular snow shovel:

In a worst-case scenario, you may need to cover your roof to prevent damage to the interior of your home during a winter storm; for example, if a significant leak forms or if a fallen tree causes structural damage. Having a heavy-duty tarp on hand (along with some ropes or long bungee cables to secure it) is a crucial part of preparing for the worst kind of winter roof emergencies.

Tarps can also be extremely helpful for keeping your home protected while you wait for a roof repair crew to arrive. This 200-square-foot tarp is available on Amazon for less than $40:

3) Keep a trusted local roofing contractor on call for emergency repairs

If you're dealing with a major roofing emergency (especially if leaks or structural damage are involved), you will need to reach out to a licensed roofing contractor to assess and repair the damage. However, finding the right roofing contractor for you requires a lot of research, and you likely won't have time to properly vet roofers if you're scrambling to keep snow and water out of your home.

Instead, start doing your homework early so that you'll already have a trustworthy roofer on hand before an emergency hits. Doing this will also help you steer clear of roofing storm chasers , who target homeowners dealing with damage in the wake of severe storms.

Yahoo Local's best roofing company guides are a great starting point for researching roofers in your area. Our picks are independently researched and ranked using a custom business ranking system that incorporates ratings from major platforms like Google, Yelp and Angi. Our team also reaches out to our top picks directly to vet customer service quality and source up-to-date information about pricing, warranties and policies.

Start by checking out Yahoo Local's guide to the best national roofing companies , as well as our guide to local roofers vs. national roofing contractors . You can also search for roofing company guides in your state via the Yahoo Local roofing hub .

Roof maintenance is key to preventing winter roof emergencies

The truth is, not all roofing emergencies can be prevented. However, by staying on top of roof maintenance and keeping the right tools on hand, you can prevent many winter roofing issues from forming.

Preventive maintenance is the best way to prevent winter roofing emergencies. Some important strategies include insulating your attic, cleaning out your gutters and addressing any necessary repairs before winter arrives. Be sure to have any hazard trees or tree limbs removed from your property too, to prevent damage from windfalls.

When things get serious, having a vetted roofing company on hand is the best way to address and remediate active roof emergencies. Research roofing companies with services in your area before an emergency hits, so you know who to call if you ever need to.

Below, you'll find some examples of Yahoo Local's best roofing company guides, which provide thoroughly researched recommendations for top-rated roofers across the country.

See more Yahoo Local-approved U.S. roofers

Best California roofers

Fresno / Los Angeles San Diego / San Jose / San Francisco

Best Florida roofers

Cape Coral / Fort Lauderdale / Fort Myers / Jacksonville / Lakeland / Miami / Orlando / Sarasota / St. Petersburg / Tallahassee / Tampa / West Palm Beach

Best New York roofers

Brooklyn / Buffalo / New York City / Rochester / Staten Island

Best Texas roofers

Austin / Dallas / Fort Worth / Houston / Katy / San Antonio / Tyler

• Best national roofers in the U.S.

• See all Yahoo Local roofing