Are You Prepared for Fall Roof Maintenance?

It’s that time of year that we “summer lovers” dread, folks…autumn is right around the corner, and it’s time to start thinking about your fall home maintenance chores. No one wants to see the long, steamy days of summer draw to a close, but it is an inevitable part of living in areas that have four distinct seasons. There are many tasks you need to perform to get your home ready for the cold days of winter, and roof maintenance should be among your top priorities. Roof maintenance is essential throughout the year to ensure the longevity and aesthetic look of your home and its roof, but with the cold weather that lies ahead, it is essential to make sure you’re prepared. Consider these tips on getting your roof ready for the winter.

Get a Professional Roof Inspection

There is so much to be said for having a professional roofing contractor inspect your roof. You should certainly do this at least once a year, and the end of summer is a perfect time to get things evaluated and make sure you are ready for the colder months. Although you can perform a visual inspection of your roof on your own, a trained roofer can identify issues that you may miss. The benefits of a thorough, professional roof inspection far outweigh any observations you can make on your own as a homeowner. Going into winter with a weak or damaged roof is never a good idea, and protecting your home and family is essential.

Trim the Trees Around Your House

Trees that are leaning perilously toward your home, dead limbs, and large overhanging branches could all be potential dangers as winter approaches. When snow and ice accumulate on these trees and branches, the weight could cause them to fall on your roof and cause damage that is expensive to repair, and may even require you to move out of the house for a while. Trimming these trees and branches is also an ideal way to keep leaf build-up in your gutters to a minimum. When your gutters are filled up during the winter months, it can cause back-ups and ice jams that pose threats to the structure of your home.

Cleaning Gutters

It may not be your favorite chore, but cleaning leaves and debris out of your home’s gutters is an essential fall task. Making sure that your gutters are free of blockage is a maintenance chore that protects your roof and your entire gutter system. When rain and snow are unable to drain effectively from your roof, the gutters back up and cause damage to your roof, gutters, and walls. It can also cause large icicles to form, which may pose a danger to anyone in their path when they fall to the ground. If you don’t enjoy being up on a ladder or on the roof, cleaning the gutters out by hand, your local roofing professional can provide this service for a minimal fee. Ensuring your gutters are free of debris is well worth the investment.

Winterize the Roof

Ice dams are one of the biggest dangers to your roof in the winter, as they cause drainage issues and allow ice and snow to build up on your roof. Getting your roof ready for winter can help to ensure that you don’t encounter this problem during the frigid months ahead. The age of your roof plays a significant role in how winter weather affects its durability, and there are several thighs you need to prepare for. The added weight of ice and snow affect your roof as “scrubbing” occurs. This is the process of ice formations moving across the roof as temperatures vary in the winter, which can damage the roof and affect its structural integrity. Preventive maintenance is vital in making sure your roof is ready for this winter activity. Having a roofing contractor make sure that your roof is ready for winter can greatly affect the way scrubbing and winter weather affect your roof.

Things to keep in Mind

• If you have a limited warranty on your roof, you must keep up with regular maintenance and inspections for your warranty to be valid.
• When you see signs of leaks or water damage in your home, it is a good indicator that the damage on your roof is worse than the interior damage.
• You should always keep up with periodic care on your roof, especially as it starts to age. This doesn’t always have to be expensive, but it must be consistent.
• Your roof is the first line of defense that your home has against the elements. Many professionals agree that it is the most important part of your home.

Benefits You Will Reap From Proper Roof Maintenance

• Your roofing contractor can keep a regular, updated history of your roof’s condition, and the maintenance and repairs that were necessary to keep it in good condition.
• Keeping track of your roof’s needs will help you to budget for any preventive maintenance or repairs that may be necessary.
• Proper maintenance can ensure a longer roof like and save you the cost of replacing the roof any sooner than is necessary.
• Working proactively by employing trusted and qualified roofing contractors ensures the health and safety of your family, and saves you money in the long run.

The end of summer is not the only time you should keep up with roof maintenance if you want to be sure your roof is doing its job, and you are getting the most out of your investment. It is simply one time of the year that you should make sure your roof is ready to handle the potentially damaging weather that lies ahead. Spring is also a time to clean up from the winter, remove debris from your gutters, and have a professional roofing company inspect your roof. The cost of an inspection may not yield any issues if you’re lucky, but it will give you peace of mind, knowing that your roof is providing the shelter and energy efficiency that your family needs.