The days are growing cooler and the leaves are starting to fall which can only mean one thing: Autumn is in full swing! During this time, it’s important to prepare your roof for the upcoming colder months. Here are four steps you should take to protect your roof from damage.
Start With the Gutters
While the crunchy, orange leaves of fall might look gorgeous, they can be detrimental to the health of your gutters. As debris, such as leaves, fallen sticks, and pinecones, build up in your gutters, they can cause clogs that prevent proper water drainage. In some cases, the excess weight can even cause your gutters to break or detach from the side of your home. Make sure to regularly perform gutter cleanings to prevent these costly issues.
Clear Off Your Roof
Another thing to look out for is debris on top of your roof. If you notice any twigs, pinecones, pieces of trash, or even children’s toys, make sure to remove them as soon as possible. When left unaddressed, stray debris can trap moisture, which can lead to mold growth. If there’s a large amount of mold on your roof, the mold can penetrate through the roofing materials, cause wood rot, erode shingles, and even creep into your home’s interior.
Check for Damage
A few times a year, it’s a good idea to inspect your roof for any signs of damage or deterioration. These signs include anything from broken or detached shingles, dents, tears, holes, mold, mildew, or leaks. Even if you feel confident about performing your own inspection, one wrong step on your ladder or roof can put you in harm’s way, so we recommend contacting a professional to complete this delicate process for you. Here at Five Points Roofing, we offer free, no-obligation roof inspections, so make sure to schedule yours today.
Inspect Your Home’s Ventilation
In addition to checking the condition of your roof, you should take a few minutes to check your home’s ventilation system. If your residence has insufficient ventilation, this can result in higher energy bills, in addition to poor air quality, which can negatively impact the health of you and your family. You should do a sweep to check for blocked roof vents or vent pipes that might be covered by fallen leaves, bird’s nests, or other debris. If you notice any, go ahead and clear those out.
Prioritize Your Safety
Without the proper training and safety equipment, climbing a tall ladder and walking around on your roof can be extremely dangerous. Five Points Roofing Company does not suggest attempting to scale or navigate your roof without the help of a certified professional, so please assess damage to your roof at your own risk. If you’re interested in receiving our help in preparing your roof for the fall, make sure to contact us today for a free review from a certified roofer. Our team is always here to help, and we want to ensure you stay safe and sound.
