At this time of year, with all of the fun and excitement of the holiday season fast approaching, it’s not unusual for seasonal home maintenance tasks to get put off, or forgotten entirely.
Don’t put off preparing your roof for Fall and Winter weather. Get started preparing for winter season now, while there’s still warm, sunny days to make the task much easier.
The following 5 roof maintenance tips will help you avoid costly repairs by finding any potential issues early and preventing problems before they happen!
Clean the gutters
When your gutters fill up with leaves and other debris, they will eventually clog, which leads to rainwater filling up and spilling over the gutters.
The added weight of the debris combined with the water could cause the gutters to be torn loose from their anchor points and/or collapse, potentially damaging your roof, trim and siding.
To prevent this from happening, keep your gutters cleaned out, and in the fall, after the trees are done shedding, do a thorough cleanout.
To cut down on your labor, you can have gutter screens installed to keep debris and leaves from filling up your gutters.
Clear off debris
Clear any pine needles, cones, leaves and other debris from your roof’s surface.
The debris, no matter how small, will retain moisture, potentially causing rot or mold which will break down your roofing material.
If you’re experienced and feel comfortable doing it, you can walk on your roof, using a broom or leaf blower to remove the debris, especially in the valleys which are the most susceptible to water damage.
You can also contact your friendly neighborhood Mansfield roofing company to evaluate and maintain your roof’s condition!
Check for damages and deterioration
Now that your roof has been cleared off, inspect it for any damages.
If you don’t want to climb up onto the roof, you can use a pair of binoculars to get a close look at its condition. If your roof has shingles, look for ones which are cracked, frayed or curling up at the edges.
Look around chimneys, vent stacks and skylights for signs of damaged flashing, which is a common place for leaks to occur.
Attic insulation and ventilation
Without proper insulation and ventilation in your attic, you run the risk of the following:
- energy bills which are higher than necessary
- damage to your roof’s supports due to moisture, and possible rot or mold
- increased heat in your living space as a result of inadequate venting of the attic through the soffits, ridges and gables of the roof – causing you to use your AC more
- ice build-up (from excess attic heat) which can lead to leaks
Consult a weatherization contractor or energy auditor to evaluate your attic’s ventilation and insulation to prevent any of these issues with your roof.
Schedule a professional evaluation of your roof
Preparing your roof for Fall and Winter weather might seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. If you feel confident in following all of the steps above, you’re probably going to avoid problems with your roof this winter.
But if you put off preparing for winter season thinking you’ll save time and money, you might find yourself calling on the experts to fix a leak that could have been prevented.
Why not call on the experts before you have any issues?
A trained eye can quickly and easily spot any potential problems, and address it before it becomes a major issue.
Our team of expert roofing technicians can help you get your roof prepared for the winter so that you can focus on other things…such as enjoying time with your family.
To find out more and get a free quote, contact us today!