The summer days have finally started to cool off. Fall is a very magical season, and it’s the time of year when we should button up our homes as well as our jackets. Between now and the first freeze of winter, there are some things you can do to prepare your roof for the harsh weather.
CHECK FOR DAMAGES AND DETERIORATION
With a clean roof, scan the surface for missing shingles or ones that have cracked curled or frayed edges. You can use binoculars to inspect from the ground or climb up to the roof to have a look.
Also check for damaged flashing around vent stacks, chimneys, and skylights. These areas are the usual suspects when you have a leak. Repairing flashing yourself may not always provide the results you expect. So give us a call and we’ll make sure everything is sealed properly before the rain hits.
CLEAN THE GUTTERS
When leaves and debris collect in your gutter system, eventually, it will create a clog in the downspouts. Rain water will overflow the gutters, damaging your roof, trim, and siding. The added weight of the wet leaves and water could also cause your gutters to pull loose from the anchor point or collapse.
To prevent these problems and unforeseen repair costs, make sure to keep your gutters relatively clear through the fall. And, once the trees around your home are bare, do a thorough cleaning. You can also get out ahead of the fall season and have gutter screens or guards installed to prevent the collection of debris in the first place. We recommend the Master Shield gutter protection system.
CLEAR OFF DEBRIS
It’s important to remove leaves, pine needles, and other debris from the surface of your roof as well as your gutters. Even small bits of debris will hold moisture and possibly rot or mold, which will break down your roofing material.
If you’re confident and experienced in walking on your roof, get up there and broom or blow off the debris. Pay special attention to the valleys, which are most vulnerable to water damage. Make sure they are free and clear of debris so as to allow water to flow.
As part of our roof evaluation and maintenance services, we also treat roofs for moss, which is certainly not a bad idea in our moist climate.
ATTIC INSULATION AND VENTILATION
Without adequate airflow in your attic, you could be looking at higher-than-necessary energy bills and roof leaks emerging in a snowstorm. During the day, sunlight hits your roof and heats up the air in your attic. Without vents located at the soffits, ridges, and/or gables of your roof, the hot air condensates. Which causes moisture damage and possible mold or rot in your roof’s supports.
This heat can also cause ice dams in higher elevations, inviting leaks when snow accumulates on your roof.
Additionally, when that hot air has nowhere else to go, it will seep into and overheat your living space. Which will require you to use your AC more than you have to. This is one of the reasons why insulation is so critical to an energy-efficient home.
To evaluate your attic insulation and ventilation, you can hire an energy auditor or weatherization contractor to do an inspection and make modifications. And, if you make these changes before the end of 2022, you could be eligible for an energy efficiency tax credit.
