Autumn has arrived, bringing colorful leaves, apple picking, and cozy sweaters suitable for the cooler temps. But these changes in the weather also signal the time to schedule roof maintenance, preparing it for upcoming seasonal changes.
The following autumn roof care checklist will enable you to not only maintain your roof, but keep it in outstanding shape, extending its life during the time you own your home:
With autumn comes falling leaves, but not only that, other tree debris that lands right on top of your roof! Over time, this debris can build up and potentially cause damage. That’s why fall is often an excellent time to install gutter guards on your house.
Gutter guards have small openings that let water through, but stops larger debris like leaves. Make sure your gutters are clean and undamaged; if you don't feel safe or even comfortable checking your gutters and downspouts, seek the help of a roofing expert.
People with skylights in their home have additional maintenance.
Owners need to check each skylight individually to see if the seal/bonding is still holding strong. Over time the sealants may weaken, especially with variations in temperature, and so it’s important to ensure they remain secure so that no heat or water can leak through.
As the temperatures drop, people once again begin to enjoy cozy nights by their fireplaces. However enjoyable, fireplaces require a few considerations to help their chimneys remain safe and run efficiently.
For one, the metal sealant. This prevents water or other debris from entering the vertical chimney stack. You might also consider installing a special cap or cover, which will help prevent animals from making a home inside your chimney and surprising you when you least expect it!
It’s always preferable to fix any potential flaws in your roof before the temperature drops for the colder months. Check for damaged shingles such as those that are ripped or whose edges are curling and have them replaced as soon as you can. These shingles protect your home from wind, rain, and snow, so it’s important to fix anything before the colder weather arrives, and the weather worsens. By looking for missing or damaged shingles, you ensure that your building is not seriously harmed by inclement weather.
Spring rain and summer storms can do a lot of damage to your roof, and so before the start of fall you should inspect for any water damage. One small leak could turn into multiple leaks if not addressed, causing more stress and repair bills.
Cut down any branches that hang low or lean on your roof close to your house to prevent your roof from being harmed by branches that fall during violent winds or storms. Dealing with this possible danger is preferable and more cost-effective than dealing with the consequences. Additionally, there won't be as much debris falling that could block your gutters.
Make sure that you can fully enjoy your fall season with peace of mind by following this checklist! Read more roofing blogs here.