Summer has finally passed and fall is here, which means that there are a number of maintenance tasks that will need to be done in order to keep your roof in good condition.
By scheduling a roof contractor to come to your home and perform these maintenance tasks, you’ll help improve the chances that your roof will be able to withstand rain and snow over the next few seasons, thereby extending its overall life. With that in mind, the following are a few fall roof maintenance tips:
You might be tempted to go up onto your roof to do a bit of fall cleaning on your own, but you shouldn’t do this unless you were thoroughly trained and have plenty of experience. Climbing on top of your roof can be incredibly dangerous, especially if it’s slick from recent rain. Falling off can cause serious injuries that will end up costing you a lot of money. In fact, even if you don’t hurt yourself, without proper training you might do more harm than good. Either way, hire a professional roof contractor instead.
Because of how often it rains during the fall, you’ll want to make sure that your gutters are clean. Debris, such as leaves, branches, and even birds nests, can clog the gutters. When your gutters are clogged, rainwater will build up. This can result in water seeping in through your roof or overflowing and collecting near your foundation, where it can leak in through your basement. Not to mention that older gutter systems may not be able to withstand the weight of all of that water and may pull away from your roof.
If your attic isn’t insulated, now is a good time to get it insulated. As temperatures drop, you’ll begin using your heating system more and more. Once winter comes around, it might snow. When this happens, heat will travel up through your home, melting the first layer of snow on your roof. The problem with this is that the top layer will melt last, which means the melted snow will be trapped beneath it. This can cause water to leak in through your roof, causing serious damage. Insulation will prevent heat from traveling up into your attic.
It tends to rain a lot during the fall season. After particularly bad rainstorms, be sure to do a visual evaluation of your home’s roof. Look for missing or damaged shingles. These should be replaced right away as they leave your roof vulnerable to potential water damage. Check your gutters to make sure they haven’t pulled away and aren’t leaking. Go up to your attic and look for leaks as well. If you don’t have an attic, look for water stains on your ceiling.
The last thing you want is to be forced to deal with roof repairs or replacements in the middle of the winter season. Schedule a roof inspection in the fall so that a roof contractor can check your roof for any issues that need to be addressed. Paying for repairs before winter hits can help prevent existing problems from getting any worse.
Taking care of your roof is essential to preventing potential damage, especially during inclement weather. Now that it’s fall, keep these roof maintenance tips in mind. To schedule a professional roof inspection or to request roof repairs, contact us at All-Nu Construction today.