According to an article from The Mississauga News, the snow that accompanies winter does more than just give children a snow day:

Winter can provide a much-needed respite from the sweltering summer temperatures, but it can also bring severe storms which can cause havoc on your home and cost a lot of money in repairs. Seal cracks in outside walls and foundations. Ensure windows, doors and roof openings (i.e. skylight) have proper weather stripping. Also, make sure that your roof is in good condition before the snow arrives. While Virginia, with an average temperature of 36.8°F during winter, may not experience the coldest winters in New England, homes and buildings still experience the damaging effects of freezing temperatures and inclement weather. In Arlington alone, residents experience roughly 14.5 inches of snowfall every year.

Arlington roofing experts say that residential roofs take particularly severe beatings during winter, regardless of the amount of snow that falls. With this in mind, listed below are a few ways to better prepare your roof for the long winter months ahead: Seal cracks Any existing cracks should be sealed immediately. Unsealed cracks will allow accumulated precipitation to freeze and thaw repeatedly. Without proper remediation, what started out as a small crack can easily become a large one before the winter season ends. Replace damaged shingles Shingles that have been dented by hail or snow storms will prevent snow and other forms of precipitation from sliding off the roof and into the gutters. Snow build up will eventually cause sections of the roof to collapse. Also, if your roof is missing any shingles, be sure to replace them before the first snowfall to prevent animals from hibernating in your roof. Clean the gutters Although technically not a part of the roof, gutters work hand-in-hand with your roofing system by diverting precipitation from your roof. By clearing your gutters of any debris, you can significantly decrease the chances of ice dams developing. Ice dams will tear down your gutters and damage chunks of your roof. These are only a few of the home winterizing measures suggested by reputable Arlington roofers from companies like Northern Virginia Roofing. Following through with proper winter maintenance—via DIY solutions or with the help of experienced roofing contractors—can prevent costly home repairs during spring. (Article Excerpt and Image from How to winter-proof your home; The Mississauga News)