Fall Roof Maintenance Tips

Use These 5 Fall Roof Maintenance Tips To Prepare Your Roof For The Winter

As summer nears its end, the first things that probably come to mind are football, pumpkin spice, and sweater weather. However, many homeowners fail to recognize that fall time means roof inspection time. With the majority of the summer storms over, and cooler temperatures, fall is a perfect time for conducting roof inspections and maintenance before winter rolls around.

Conducting a roof inspection in the fall and taking care of any problems ahead of time will best prepare your roof to endure the worst of winter weather. Midwest winters can be intense with sleet, ice, and large amounts of snowfall and can wreak havoc on rooftops of any kind, worsening rooftop damage that is already present with possible risk of interior damage.

The following tips will aid you in properly inspecting your roof and pinpointing problem areas so you know what type of maintenance your roof needs to withstand the winter.

1. Trim Nearby Trees And Branches

Before winter arrives, you must trim any trees with overhanging branches that are too close to your house. Tree branches that are nearby can cause serious damage. A storm with strong winds can knock off branches and send them flying into your roof or siding.

Trimming trees and removing branches by yourself without the necessary training or equipment is a dangerous task. It is best to call a professional who will trim and/or remove tree branches for you to prevent future damage.

2. Check Flashing And Shingles

Flashing is the thin material underneath the shingles of your roof and is often made from metal such as aluminum, copper, galvanized steel, and stainless steel. Flashing is especially important to check during your fall roof inspection as it is responsible for redirecting water away from your home and roof.

To inspect your flashing, be sure to keep an eye out for damaged or loose shingles. Shingles near damaged flashing that are dark in color indicate water damage, meaning that the used flashing material has sustained damage.

3. Check Your Attic

Be on the lookout for poor ventilation in your attic. Poor ventilation can allow moisture to accumulate in your attic, which can lead to the development of mold and rust. In turn, moisture can cause your roof structure to deteriorate.

You should also look for signs of leakage, drafts, or sunlight. If you find any leaks in your attic, chances are that your shingles and/or flashing are compromised.

4. Clear Your Gutters

During the summer and fall, leaves and debris accumulate within gutters and can block rainwater from draining properly. Failing to clear out your gutters before the winter can cause water to overflow and run down the siding of your home. This increases the risk of water damage to the entire home, including your roof, foundation, and siding.

Significant buildup within your gutters retains moisture and can damage nearby shingles and gutters. If this buildup is ignored, your roof structure can be compromised. To get rid of buildup, avoid using damaging techniques like high-pressure water. Instead, glove up and remove the buildup with your hands. Always be sure to have a buddy to help hold your ladder to prevent any falls.

5. Call A Professional Roofer

Climbing onto your roof and making sure you properly inspect your roof is not an easy task. Without the proper equipment, conducting a roof inspection by yourself can be dangerous and even inefficient. Often, homeowners don’t even know what they’re looking for when inspecting their roofs for damage.

We think it's best to have a professional roofing expert inspect your roof. We can often see things that the average homeowner might not see and can also provide plans to get those items fixed.

Everyone deserves to have a functioning roof over their head year-round–especially during the cold months. Regular maintenance is the key to increasing the longevity and durability of your room. Don’t neglect yourself and your home and take the necessary steps to ensure that your roof is in tip-top shape before the winter.

Schedule your roof inspection today by calling us or completing our contact form.