Fall Roofing Checklist: How To Ready Your Roof For Autumn And Winter
Summer is coming to a close and fall is nearly here. That means it's a good time to take care of your seasonal home maintenance tasks. While you may be focused on changing over your decor or switching over to your fall wardrobe, you need to pay attention to what's on the outside of your house as well as what's inside it. Regular roof maintenance is key for protecting your family, your belongings, and your budget. To that end, this checklist will ensure your roof is in tip-top shape for fall and winter.
Pay attention to trees As the cooler temperatures start to set in, you may be more concerned about the abundance of leaves in your yard than the ones on your roof. But you'll definitely need to clear off twigs, leaves, and other debris from your roof's surface. Even little pine needles can spell trouble for your roof. If these natural elements are allowed to sit on your roof and rot, you may have issues with mold or may require roof repairs sooner rather than later. You should also trim back any far-reaching tree branches to prevent these kinds of issues in the future.
Clean out your gutters Even if those trees in your backyard haven't started to lose their leaves yet, you should still do a preventative sweep of your gutters. By making sure your gutters and downspouts are clear from the onset, you'll have an easier time of keeping up with maintenance throughout the season and reduce the risk of buildups (and subsequent water damage). Gutter maintenance can be a pain, but it's a lot easier and cheaper than having to call for siding or roof repairs.
Check out your roof It may seem obvious, but a lot of homeowners forget to do a preliminary visual inspection of their shingles or other roofing materials. While flat roofing materials can last 15 to 20 years before they need to be replaced, that doesn't account for shoddy installation, faulty materials, or severe weather damage. You should take a look at your roof from ground level and keep an eye out for any gaps, cracks, or signs of deterioration. While you may not be able to catch everything, you may be able to spot small issues before they turn into big ones.
Look inside You should also look for signs of deterioration inside your home. On a sunny day, look upwards at the ceiling for any signs of water spots or leaks. On a rainy day, you may have an even better idea of whether a leak has gotten worse. You should also check your attic and review any upgrades you can make with your insulation or ventilation.
Call for an inspection While you might be inclined to DIY, the truth is that you may miss some significant problems if you don't get help from a professional residential roofing contractor. A roofing company will be your best resource for information pertaining to your roof and its maintenance. In all likelihood, you won't need major roof repairs, especially if your roof is relatively new. But if you do, it's better to take care of it as soon as you can. Getting a yearly inspection is the smartest way to ensure you don't run into problems come winter.
Inspecting your roof may not seem like your idea of fun, but it's an important part of maintaining a safe, comfortable home. By taking care of these tasks early on in the fall, you won't be left scrambling for a last-minute appointment or for emergency roof repairs in the dead of winter.
