As a new homeowner, it's important to know when your roof needs care and maintenance. In fact, with the fall season in full swing, this is the perfect time for you to address the pre-winter care that your home's roof really needs. Here's a look at some of the things that you should do every fall to make sure that your home's roof is ready for the winter weather ahead.
Clear The Gutters
Especially with all of the leaves falling this time of year, your gutters are an important focus for pre-winter roof care. When your gutters fill up with leaves and other debris through the fall, it creates a prime environment for ice block accumulation in the gutters. The leaves reduce the drainage, clog the gutters, and lead to ice dams against the roof edge. This can ultimately lead to roof leaks.
Clear your gutters out so that they stay clean, and add a screen to keep the leaves and such out. That way, the water can flow freely and you won't risk the ice accumulation that can damage the roof.
Have An Inspection Completed
Fall is the perfect time to have a roof inspection done. Your untrained eye won't necessarily recognize signs of damage that could lead to serious roof failures with an accumulation of ice or snow. A roofing contractor will inspect the roof and spot any signs of concern, wear, or vulnerabilities that could be problems for you with severe winter weather.
Additionally, your roofing contractor will also identify other possible threats to your roof with the approaching winter season. Things like branches that hang too close to your roof need to be addressed as soon as possible because severe winter weather can bring those branches down on your roof, causing serious damage.
Complete Any Repairs
At the end of a roofing inspection, you will get a full list of any repairs that are needed. Don't take that repair list as something that you can just do when you get to it. Have the repair work completed before the winter weather sets in. That way, you don't have to worry about snow and ice worsening any existing damage.
Fall is an ideal time for these repairs. The weather is usually mild, and you'll avoid the heat of the summer. It also gives you enough time for everything to be completed before winter rolls in.
Talk with a residential roofing contractor near you today for more information and to get your home's roof ready for winter.
