There’s nothing quite like the fall season. The leaves changing color and the cooler weather are always a lovely refreshment from the heat of summer. However, these things are also there to remind us that winter is just around the corner. It is also a message that this season is our last chance to tackle any home maintenance and projects we’ve been putting off before the snow arrives. The most important ones are usually related to our roofs. We tend not to think about our roofs until a problem has to be solved. However, regular maintenance can help prevent costly repairs for homeowners while ensuring the safety of the people under that roof. It also helps your house stay energy efficient as the seasons change. Now that you know this, you’ll probably benefit from a few roof maintenance tips.
Of course, you also have to remember that your roof has to be renovated every couple of years, no matter how well you’ve maintained it. In these moments, make sure not to skimp out on materials. Just like buying discount flooring can hurt your home, so can cheap roofing materials.
Get an inspection from a trusted roofer
When it comes to diagnosing any problems with your roof, you have to remember this rule. Just because you don’t see any obvious damage doesn’t mean there is nothing to do. You may simply be unaware of some problems that are currently brewing. Experienced roofers and home inspectors are trained to look for any underlying issues or potential trouble spots. They have enough experience to tell you exactly what could become a major problem. They can also recommend any repairs that can prevent those problems.
Finding someone you can trust with the job can be tricky if you have never worked with a professional roofer before. Your initial instinct might be to ask around with friends and family. However, experts from Peak Services Las Vegas advise against this. Most of your friends and family are probably as inexperienced as you are regarding roofing. They might recommend someone who isn’t trustworthy simply because they don’t know any better. You’ll probably be better off contacting your insurance provider or a local realtor for recommendations.
Check attic ventilation
If proper ventilation isn’t installed in your attic, all the heat from the other parts of your home will rise and become trapped in your attic. The problem arises when this warm air hits the difference in temperature in your attic. When the warm air quickly cools down, all of the water vapor will start to condense. This, in turn, causes moisture build-up.
Excess moisture could cause the wood in your attic to rot over time. It also creates the perfect environment for mold to develop. And all of this will be followed up with ice-related damage to the roof when winter comes around. You always want to allow hot air to rise and escape your attic.
Examine your roof insulation
The warmth you get from your heating system is key during the cold weather of the fall season. If the insulation of your roof has deteriorated over time, that warmth can escape through it. One of the most crucial roof maintenance tips is regularly checking the state of your roof’s insulation.
Repair damaged shingles
The next thing on our list of roof maintenance tips that we recommend you do is to go for a short walk around your house and check out the state of your shingles. If you happen to notice any damaged or missing shingles, you should work to replace them as soon as possible.
There are two main reasons why this is important to do during the fall. As temperatures drop, moisture that’s gotten into the exposed area where the damaged or missing shingles are will turn to ice. Firstly this will further damage your roof making it even more expensive to repair later on. Secondly, the ice getting bigger poses a safety concern. As it creates more damage, the previously good shingles can start breaking off and falling (potentially hurting someone in the process). You really shouldn’t cut back on expenses when it comes to these repairs. If you don’t think you’re up to it, it’s much more beneficial to hire a professional.
Remove any branches that are near your roof
This is one of the best roof maintenance tips when it comes to things you can do yourself. You should do this year-round whenever any branches get too close to or start pushing your roof.
But, it is essential once those autumn leaves start falling. If there are branches with leaves right above your roof, those leaves can clog gutters and prevent water from properly flowing. This makes it possible for the water to freeze during winter. All of that can damage your gutter system and your roof. Storms and heavy snow can also break branches that can fall and damage your roof. If you see that your gutters are clogged, and your roof is already covered with leaves, it might be a good idea to hire roof cleaning services and let experts handle it.
Check over your chimney flashing
Your chimney flashing is the connection between your chimney and your roof. You should make sure that it is watertight before the fall season gets going. If moisture gets in there, it can seriously damage your chimney system. And the repairs for this can be very costly. Make sure to fix or replace faulty flashing before the time to use your chimney comes. This is one of the more straightforward projects. Although we recommend getting a professional to do it, as long as you have the proper tools for handling roofing and do enough research in preparation for the project, you can do it yourself.
Key takeaway
Each season brings changes. This also means that it brings changes to the way you should be handling your roof. Being proactive and preparing your roof for upcoming seasonal changes is definitely one of the smartest things you can do. It will significantly help you protect your investment. If you want to get the most out of your roof’s life, you should prepare it properly and perform the following roof maintenance tips.
