Posted on by David Reid

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FALL MAINTENANCE TIPS

Maintaining a roof doesn’t have to turn into a complicated matter, especially if the initial roof has been installed appropriately and has been cared for over the years.  With basic common sense tips, a roof can last for years with little need for replacement.  Simply following a maintenance program will extend the life of a roof and save a homeowner from extensive and expensive repairs or full replacement.

Scheduling Roof Inspections

Typically, roof inspections should occur at least twice a year.  With the approach of fall, and winter soon thereafter, a roof checkup is vital to maintaining a roof through periods of rough weather.  Exterior inspections are the best medicine for a roof and can save a homeowner from expensive repairs.  Schedule yours today!

Watching for Roof Leaks

Protecting both the exterior of a roof and the interior of any room in a home against leaks, especially in the fall and winter season, is something that no homeowner should bypass.  Leaks can be caught during twice a year inspections, but they can easily crop up at any time.

Small and larger leaks can generate damage to the outside and inside of a home.  When water collects beneath roof shingles and other roofing materials, warping and disintegration of the underlayment of a roof can occur.  Seepage in attic spaces and behind drywall can spur on the growth of mold.  If leaks progress to the interior of a home, they can ruin insulation, flooring, walls and furniture.  Leaks are not a laughing matter and can cause widespread damage to a home.

Inspecting Attic Areas

Regular inspections for leaks should also include a yearly inspection of your attic, particularly before cooler weather takes effect.  If possible, an attic inspection should take place on a rainy day so any leaks are more apparent and easy to identify.  Watch for other signs of leaks such as mold or mildew growth around vents or wall joints and seams.  Also look for wood that has warped or insulation that appears stained or wet.

Inspecting for Mold and Moss

As fall approaches, there may be remnants of mold and moss that need to be removed from the surface and other underlying sections of a roof.  Both can cause damage to a roof, so keeping the surface of a roof clean is highly important.  The removal process can be tricky and requires the use of the right cleaning agents, so it is best to consult with a Pro that is familiar with mold and moss removal.

Hanging Tree Branches

A roof and home can easily be damaged by hanging tree limbs.  Tree branches need to be watched, trimmed or removed if necessary as they can be dangerous and make an ordinary roof impossible to clean.  If the branches are affected by ice storms, winds or electrical storms, they can snap and damage other roof structures, like shingles, gutters and eaves.

Inspecting Flashing and Sealing

Flashing and sealing help a roof and home to avoid water damage, so they need to kept in check to maintain a roof’s integrity.  Inspecting areas of a roof that may indicate loosening, cracking or peeling of flashing and sealants is important.  It is also important to make sure that caulking is not wearing or pulling away so cracks and open areas can’t form. Approaching winter weather can do further damage if these areas are neglected.

Checking Gutters and Drainpipes

Gutters and downspouts are other parts of a roofing system that should be cleaned at least once or twice a year.  This is one maintenance tip that is often overlooked yet can cause all kinds of roof damage if left unclean or unchecked.

Ice Buildup

Once fall progresses into winter, chances for snow and ice buildup on a roof are highly likely.  Colder weather can lead to formation of ice dams from snow accumulation.  Roof leaks and improper runoff are usually the result of ice dam formations.  Water will become trapped behind the ice dams and it can penetrate shingles and the structure of the roof which will lead to leaks.  In order to prevent damage with ice buildup or ice dams, the attic of a home should be well ventilated with temperatures equal to that of the outside.  To maintain the temperature, adequate venting and insulating can help in preventing ice dam formation.

Roof Climbing and Walking

It’s hard not to be on a rooftop once the holidays follow fall and holiday lighting is part of a decorative plan, which usually means climbing on a roof and hanging string lights and other decorations.  It is best to avoid walking on a roof as it can lead to shingle deterioration, roof tile damage, possible leaks and other roof problems that are caused by foot traffic.   If there is snow accumulation on a roof, personal injury through slipping or falling can become a whole other issue to handle.  Roof climbing and walking should be left to the professionals but if a homeowner insists on stringing lights, he should be aware of what kind of damages, personal and otherwise, can occur.