Fall is here! Cooler temperatures have arrived and it won’t be long until the leaves start falling as well. While the fall foliage is a beautiful sight, it is an important time of the year regarding roof maintenance. Now is the time to check for any roof damage that may have occurred during the summer months as well as, prepare your roof for the winter ahead.
1. Clean your gutters and drains
Leaves, small limbs and various debris can accumulate in your gutters or around your drains depending on what type of roof system you have. It’s important to clean your gutters and drains to prevent water from backing up and possibly causing damage to the interior of your home or building. Proper drainage will help prevent water back up and may reduce the effects of ice dams in the winter.
2. Trim back overhanging trees
Overhanging limbs or branches can do more than just create extra leaves in your gutter system. Falling limbs may damage or puncture your roof and depending on the size, could cause even more damage to your home. It’s an important step before winter to help protect your roof from the effects of branches brought down by wind or snow.
3. Schedule a roof inspection
If you are not comfortable with the thought of checking your own roof, then consider hiring a qualified contractor to complete a thorough inspection of your roof system. If you’re aware of any issues, this would be a good time to let the contractor know before they access the roof. Another advantage of a roof inspection is the possibility of discovering issues that you may not even know about. Tending to a minor issue before it becomes a leak or major issue can help extend the life of your roof.
4. Invest in needed repair
If you have a leak or have been putting off repairs, now is the time to address it. Of course, it is always best to address any known issue immediately. However, with winter approaching it may be more difficult to repair your roof in the cold or snowy weather. In addition, putting off a repair may turn a minor issue into a major issue and a costly repair.
Before you invest in repairs, make sure you do your homework on the contractor you are hiring to complete the work. Talk to your family, friends and acquaintances to see who they use. Check the BBB, local chamber of commerce as well as, company reviews. You’ll want a roofing contractor that will provide you a great service with honesty and integrity.