It’s that time of year when the weather starts to get a little bit cooler, the leaves are changing, and winter will be here before you know it. It’s also a time of year when you should be doing some home maintenance to avoid damage during the winter months, and that includes putting roof maintenance on your outdoor to-do list. Though gutter and roof maintenance is important year-round, autumn is the prime time to have your roof inspected and have any repairs made.
To ensure that your roof has the longest lifespan possible, check out these five roof maintenance tips for fall.
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Clean Gutters and Trim Trees
When the seasons change, the leaves change to beautiful oranges, yellows, and reds before falling off the trees. Falling leaves don’t just fall in your yard, though; many of them will end up in the gutters around your home as well. If you don’t spend time cleaning out the gutters, those leaves will create a problem as more precipitation falls and water can’t make it to the drains.
As leaves and tree limbs fall on your roof, the leaves clump up and collect water and moisture which can lead to extensive roof damage. By not cleaning the leaves off your roof, you can cause a domino effect of rot and damage that will be expensive to repair. The water that collects on the fallen leaves will cause the shingles below, and eventually the roofing beneath, the leaves to rot. This can then lead to a leak in your home, causing even further damage. In addition, the clumps of wet leaves put uneven pressure on the roof which cause the beams to weaken over time.
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Get A Pre-Winter Inspection
It’s always a good idea to have someone look at your roof before winter comes so you can fix problems you may be having right away. It is much easier to repair a roof in the fall when there is no snow or ice to worry about. If you wait too long, you will have a much bigger problem on your hands.
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Invest in Roof Repairs as Needed
If your roof inspector indicates that you need repair work on a certain part of your roof, make sure you take care of that now before it’s too late. Small problems in the fall can turn into huge problems in the winter, so it’s always best to enter the cold season with a strong, sturdy roof. If you maintain your roof properly throughout the year, you won’t have to worry about excessive repair costs.
Have questions or need more information on how to maintain your roof this fall? Contact us online or call 219-369-1004 today! Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for tips on the best ways to take care of you home.
