Fall is on its way, with cooler weather and changing leaves and soothing spiced drinks. But with fall comes the need for fall roofing maintenance. Your roof can be particularly vulnerable in the midst of autumn or winter storms or just in the cooler months in general. Fortunately, Montgomery Winslow has the roofing maintenance tips that you need to get through the season. Here is our fall roofing checklist:
Gutters
First and foremost, give some attention to your roof gutters. In the fall, roof gutters can become clogged with falling leaves and branches, which can make it difficult for water to reach them and be funneled away from the house. Water that isn’t able to go through your roof gutters will sit on the roof, causing weakened material and leaks or roof rot, or run off the side, potentially damaging the foundation of your home. Make sure to clear out your roof gutters so that there’s a clear and easy pathway.
Debris
Next, take a look at the surface of your roof. You’ll want to clear off any branches or other debris. While branches might seem small and harmless, they can chip away at the surface of the roof, causing leaks or damaged shingles. Debris will also likely slide down into your gutters, creating the need to clean them out again. It’s a good idea to clear off the debris that’s currently on your roof before moving on.
Nearby Trees
Want to avoid having that debris on your roof in the first place? Take a look at the trees near your house. Some might be a little too close to the roof, or have an overhanging canopy that scrapes down along the roof in the midst of a storm. While you likely won’t have to cut down the whole tree, now is a good time to trim overhanging branches to prevent any damage due to nearby trees.
Flashing
While you’re looking at your roof, check out the flashing. Flashing is thin sheet metal that surrounds openings in your roof, such as vents or skylights. If the flashing has come loose, that could be causing leaks in your roof. Now is a good time to make sure the flashing is secure and, if it’s not, secure it or replace it.
Repairs
While you’re doing roof maintenance, you may notice things like missing shingles, discoloration, or sagging in your roof. If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to call a roofer to have them repaired right away, especially before we really settle into autumn and winter storms.
Need to make repairs on your roof this fall to help it hold up efficiently throughout the cooler seasons? Montgomery Winslow can help. Contact us today for more information or a free estimate.