When the seasons start to change and the weather starts getting worse, it’s important to do some home maintenance to make sure you’ll be safe and damage-free in the coming months. And this maintenance also includes the roof.
Over the years, your roof can sustain some wear and tear, and the fall storms and rains may cause any outstanding issues to grow bigger. Therefore, doing a bit of maintenance and checking up on your roof can go a long way towards preventing bigger damages, as well as ensuring your roof lasts as long as possible.
So, use this time before the days become even shorter, cooler, and rainier to follow up on our tips and properly prepare your roof for fall.
Remove All the Debris
The first thing you should do is remove all the debris from the roof and around the house. This usually includes twigs, leaves, dirt, and other misplaced items. If you have trees in your yard, make sure to trim the branches and shake off the leaves to minimize them piling up in the following weeks. Fallen tree limbs, branches, and other debris can all damage the shingles on your roof and eventually lead to costly roof repairs that could have been prevented by simply cleaning the debris.
Clean the Gutters
Neglecting to clean the gutters could lead to them clogging and overflowing, thus causing the water to pool on the roof and eventually leading to leaks. We recommend cleaning the gutters at least twice a year: once in the fall and again in the spring. Doing this will reduce the debris build-up, as well as the risk of gutters overflowing and leaking. Making sure your gutters are free and clear of debris will protect your home from unnecessary and potentially costly water damage down the line.
Ensure the Attic Ventilation Works Properly
A properly functioning roof and attic ventilation will help keep the air circulating properly in your home, so the next step is to check the moisture levels in your attic. If you’ve noticed condensation on your ceilings, walls, or anywhere in the attic, it’s likely that the moisture levels are too high. The occurrence of moisture means your ventilation system is not working properly, and it needs to be checked and repaired.
Your roof vents might also need to be cleaned and insulation installed to keep the cold out so that you can stay comfortable during the upcoming colder days.
Assess Potential Roof Damage
One thing that you should never forget is that it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Even if you think your roof is strong and stable, it’s still wise to conduct periodic checks to see, for example, if there are any missing or damaged shingles. Because one of the most common types of roofing problems are precisely those with shingles, usually caused by hail and high winds. Therefore, take a look at your roof, and if you see anything damaged or simply suspicious, call your roofer to check it out.
Schedule a FREE Roof Inspection with Martin Exteriors!
Don’t hesitate to reach out to your roofers for an inspection anytime, as it can save you and your roof from potentially serious issues. At Martin Exteriors, we’re your go-to experts in spotting damaged areas, checking for possible leaks, and we’ll also be happy to advise you on how to prevent further roof damage.
Call your best roofers Rockford IL and we’ll help keep your roof in top condition this fall and much longer.