Top Five Steps to Preparing your Roof for Fall | Roofing Boise

During the summer season, it’s typical to neglect the importance of maintaining rooftops. The lure of vacations spent relaxing, coupled with unbearable heat narrows the time available. With school beginning, schedules become hectic and cleaning your roof becomes a low priority on the to-do list. Make no mistake! Like all other parts of the house, the roof requires regular inspection and maintenance to make sure that it can withstand the rough weather during cold months and operate at optimal performance to save you money and headaches. Follow these top five steps to help prepare and strengthen your roof for fall and the winter seasons and remember to use safety precautions.

Clean Debris

Being an exterior part of the house, the roof is exposed to various types of dirt and debris. Throughout the year, it accumulates different types and amounts of debris. The types of debris may include seeds, grass, twigs, leaves and small branches from trees. If left on top of the roof during fall and winter season, this debris will start collecting moisture and over time, will put your house at risk for mold and algae growth and rotting. To clean up the debris, safely use a ladder to climb up the roof and use a broom or an air blower.

Clean Gutters

Leaves typically accumulate in gutters which can clog the most vital path for your roof to safely drain. Neglecting to remove leaves in the gutter before fall and winter seasons could cause clogs in the downspouts, which eventually causes the rainwater to overflow your roof and allow water under shingles causing moister damage. The extra weight from the wet leaves could also cause damage to the gutters by bending them. Take extra time cleaning out the gutters of your roof as leaves tend to stick more in the corners and crevices.

Check for Attic Air Flow

Proper ventilation in the attic plays a crucial role in keeping your roof in its utmost condition. Poor ventilation could shorten the life of the roof as it is likened to being cooked from the inside and outside. Check your attic insulation and replace or add extra insulation if it looks crumbly or frayed. If you see bald patches, make sure to cover them up and install new insulation.

Remove Overhanging Branches

If your house is surrounded by trees or has trees nearby, make sure that any branches overhanging your roof have been removed. During fall, the leaves from the branches may start falling off to the roof and accumulates, causing damages to the gutters and the roof itself.

Have a Professional Inspection

Call for a roofing professional to inspect your roof for any roof damage like cracked, frayed, curled and missing shingles. They have the appropriate tools and expertise to do the assessment and if required, repair or replace your roof.

These steps will ensure you that your roof is ready for the harsh weather conditions during fall and winter seasons. And knowing that your roof is at its utmost condition will give you the peace of mind even if the bad weather comes. It will be worth your time and effort. Benjamin Franklin said, ““an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”