Fall is here, with winter soon to follow. If you are a homeowner, this is one of the best times for roof maintenance to be done before the cold weather sets in. Fall maintenance ensures that your roof is in great shape heading into winter when it is an essential barrier between you and the cold outside.
Whether you do it yourself or hire a roof company, set aside a little time this weekend to take care of some simple roofing maintenance tasks.
Clean and Repair Gutters
Of all the roof maintenance tasks you ought to take care of in the fall, gutter care should be at the top of the list. Begin by inspecting all the gutters and hanging hardware to ensure everything is in good condition and hanging correctly. If you notice damage, be sure to get it repaired by a roof company right away.
Once all the leaves have fallen off the trees, go back and do a thorough gutter cleaning. Make sure there is a clear path for water to drain into the gutters and to the downspout. This will prevent problems like saturated roofing edges and ice damming, both of which can lead to leaks and other damage to your roof.
Trim Overhanging Trees
Fall is the best time to trim trees since they are not actively growing. Cut back branches that are spreading over the top of the house or are able to touch your roof. Not only will this reduce the amount of leaves that end up in your gutters, it will also reduce the chance of damage to shingles from branches rubbing against them. Stay safe and call a local tree trimming service to help if you are unable to do this trimming yourself.
Inspect Inside Your Attic
The next roof maintenance task is to head up into your attic and look around for evidence of leaks since the last attic inspection. Also look for the presence of mold, damp insulation, or any sign of poor attic air circulation. Make sure to go up to the attic during the day and turn the lights off so you can look for bright light showing through pinholes or other small openings in the exterior roofing material. If you notice anything, add this to the list of repairs you need to have done.
Clean and Inspect Roofing Material
After your gutters have been cleaned and repaired and trees have been trimmed back, it is time to inspect the actual roof surface. Begin by looking for any signs of moss, mildew, or other kinds of growth since some roofs may become host to these organisms.
Inspect the surface for signs of bubbling and blisters, broken or missing shingles, shingles that look lifted up or curled, and other damage. After inspecting the entire installation and all gutters, arrange for a roof company to come out and do any repairs or cleaning that must be done.
So before the winds blow cold, plan for some time to take care of the roof maintenance that will ensure your home is protected right through until spring. Clean, sturdy, and well-cared for roofs can withstand the wind, cold, and rain or snow that winter brings with it. With the help of your local roof company, you can get this maintenance and any needed repairs done in time to cozy up inside for the winter without the worry of roofing troubles!
