Roof Care for the Fall Season

Fall is probably the best season to clean the roof and perform maintenance in preparation for the winter cold. Early detection of minor issues which may have accumulated over the year prevents them from becoming significant concerns.

Here are the best ways to give the roof the TLC it needs to maximize its lifespan.

Trimming nearby trees

Trees should never touch a roof because a sudden gust of wind can push them into the shingles or siding, damaging them. To prevent unnecessary property damage, trim the branches away from the building. Fall is the perfect time to perform tree pruning due to gentle temperatures, and the fact trees won’t grow back much over the winter.

While some handy homeowners might have the tools and the skill to prune smaller branches, tree trimming is best left to professional tree care crews.

Cleaning and securing the gutters

Gutters are the unsung heroes of the house. They help divert water away from the house and allow for proper water drainage from the roof. However, as winter approaches, falling leaves can clog gutters and prevent rainwater from flowing freely. During winter, the leaves can freeze over and prevent melting snow from draining properly, increasing the likelihood of water damage to the gutters or foundations.

Homeowners can remove leaves simply by putting on gloves and using trowels to empty the gutters, then flushing them with a hose. Use this time to check for any puddles that form in the gutters. A puddle is a sign that the gutter is bent and doesn’t slope towards the drain. If that happens, contact a gutter technician for a quick fix or a replacement.

Owners can also install gutter guards to prevent leaves from getting into the gutter. These are simple caps with small holes to allow water to pass through but prevent larger objects from getting in.

Remove leaves, moss, and damaged shingles from the roof

While it’s important to clean gutters, don’t forget to check the roof itself. Moss on the roof accumulates moisture, which can damage shingles and cause a leak in the house. Decomposing leaves are slightly acidic and can damage the shingles over time.

Any damaged or curled shingles present a structural concern to the roof, and owners should replace them. If you can spot damaged shingles from the ground, chances are the problem is more widespread than you can see. Contact a roofing service for advice.

Time the inspection wisely

If the roof is difficult to reach, it might be better to contact a professional roofing service to perform a cleaning and a more thorough inspection. The fall season can be hectic for contractors since their services are in higher demand, so it might be better to schedule the inspection early in the season. It’s better to call a technician when the problems are still minor and can be easily contained. Otherwise, waiting until the problem grows can make the cost to repair significant roof damage tremendous.

Eagle Home Renovation is a family-owned general contracting business offering 20 years of experience in residential home remodeling. We remodel kitchens and bathrooms, garages, balconies, porches, deck porches, and more for homeowners in Richmond, VA, and surrounding areas. Call us today at (804)538-3334.