As much as we hate to say it, summer is winding down. Before you know it, fall will be upon us. The changing of the seasons means its time to prepare your roof for fall. With the fall comes dead leaves, clogged gutters and changing temperatures. To make sure your roof is prepared for the precipitation of winter, it is important to make some preparations. Below are some simple precautions you can take.
Clean off Debris
The easiest way to prepare your roof is simply by cleaning it. Since the roof is one of the largest exterior portions of the house, it is the most likely place for debris to collect. Throughout the year, many different types of debris can end up on the roof. Leaves, branches, and dirt are just a few examples. This debris can trap in moisture and if not cleaned can lead to mold and potential rotting. Leaves and branches can be cleaned with a broom or a blower but make sure you are using proper safety precautions when climbing on the roof.
Trim Trees
As trees grow that will mean the branches hanging above the roof can be quite the nuisance. We recommend you trim any branches near the roof before the fall season. Not only will these branches continue to grow, but also they will cause additional build-up of debris on your roof and in the gutters during the fall. Falling branches can cause severe damage to your roof. So keep them trimmed to avoid potential disaster.
Replace Missing or Loose Shingles
It’s necessary to replace missing or loose shingles before the fall season. This will prevent you from having to make repairs during the abrasive winter.
Clean Gutters
Leaves can accumulate in the gutters, causing them to become clogged. Cleaning the gutters can be time consuming and a messy job that requires patience. This job is extremely important when it comes to the future conditions of your roof. Buildup of leaves and other debris in the gutters can cause leaks in the roof that potentially can cost thousands of dollars to repair. Gutters are not designed to hold extra weight from debris so they can bend. Make sure to clear them out before they need to be replaced.
Check the Valleys
This is the area where two rooflines meet. These are the top offenders for causing leaks. We are not recommending that homeowners go on the roof themselves to check the valley but have a professional roofing contractor like Premo Roofing clean the valleys as part of their roof inspection.
Check the Attic
The roof needs to have proper ventilation to remain viable. This has a lot to do with the ventilation in the attic of your home. When airflow is restricted in the attic, it puts a strain on the roof by exposing it to unnecessary heat. We recommend having a professional test your home for proper ventilation before the weather changes. Replace your insulation if it is old or add additional insulation if it looks thin.
Get a Roof Inspection
If your roof looks damaged or just plain worn out, have a roofing professional inspect the roof before fall. Sometimes small issues can be a sign of a much larger problem. A professional like Premo Roofing Company can tell you if your roof just needs repairs or if you need a whole new roof. Premo understands how the Central Coast weather affects your roof. Prepare your roof for now before any problems arise later. If you would like a professional roof inspection or need help preparing your roof for the fall and winter, give us a call at 831-443-3605 or complete our online form.
