The summer days are over, and fall has already greeted us with colorful, falling leaves, cool temperatures, and significantly less sunshine. So as you, too, are switching gears and getting ready for the fall season, you shouldn’t forget to pay a little attention to your roof, as well.
Some homeowners may forget to check up on their roof with the changing seasons, but preparing it for fall is essential in prolonging its lifespan and keeping your family safe.
There are several easy, yet crucial maintenance tasks you can do right now to protect your roof from weather damage and greatly reduce the chances of leaking and other costly roofing problems. Read on to find out what they are!
Trim the Trees Around Your Home
With the change in weather, tiny branches will start to fall off. If you have trees in your yard, make sure to trim any living or dead branches hanging over your roof. The overhanging branches can break during storms and under the pressure of bad weather, thus puncturing and damaging your roof. By acting preventively and trimming them beforehand, you will prevent these potential damages, as well as reduce the accumulation of leaves that will fall on the roof in the following weeks.
Remove the Debris
Since the roof is exposed to outside elements, various types of debris and dirt can accumulate on top of it. Small bits of debris may hold moisture and mold, which can eventually start to penetrate the shingles and underlying roofing materials. The fall rains and storms would only make these issues worse, causing significant leaks, so it’s best to prevent them altogether by cleaning the debris that has built up on the roof on time.
Clean the Gutters and Downspouts
Your gutters are also prone to debris accumulation, maybe even more so than the roof itself. And when a lot of it accumulates, the entire gutter system will most probably clog. This next rainstorm will lead to overflowing gutters and water pooling on your roof, which will, in turn, seriously damage your roof, trim, and siding. Therefore, to prevent such serious issues and unforeseen repairs, make sure that all the gutters are clean and clear of any debris. For additional protection, you can also have gutter screens or guards installed.
Check for Leaks and Damages
When the cleaning part is done, you may have noticed some existing leaks, damages, or a missing shingle or two. These issues need to be addressed as soon as possible – i.e. before the next storm. Otherwise, the leaks and damages will only grow worse, and you’ll be in for some costly repairs. If you discover any areas that may be damaged or suspicious, make sure to call your local roofer to check your roof.
Check the Attic Ventilation and Insulation
Inadequate airflow under your roof may cause severe structural problems. Take a peek in the attic and look for moisture and areas of excessive heat. This will tell you that the ventilation and insulation on your home are not working correctly. And if you don’t even have them, you should think about installing both ventilation and insulation, as they will help to get rid of excess heat, condensation, and dampness that cause structural damages to your roof.
Have a Professional Roofing Inspection
Preparing your roof for fall is not a time-consuming nor a challenging task and by following these tips you, too, will be able to welcome the fall ready and avoid all the potentially serious and costly roofing issues.
And for all your other roofing needs, as well as to make sure there is no lingering damage or potential safety risks on your roof, contact your trusted Savannah roofers! We’ll conduct a professional and thorough roofing inspection to make sure your roof is in top shape.
