FALL GUTTER AND FASCIA MAINTENANCE – FAMILY ROOFING

Posted on by David Reid

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At Family Roofing, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

 

FALL GUTTER AND FASCIA MAINTENANCE

Fall is here and seasonal maintenance is essential to ensure your home is protected and ready for the colder weather.  Your home’s exterior acts as the first layer of defense against the weather.  You should inspect your siding and roofing for damage and have it repaired and replaced before the snow hits.  Another essential system of your house’s exterior is the gutters, soffit, and fascia.

Professional roof fascia and gutter repair can become expensive, but homeowners can avoid many common emergency issues with some simple maintenance tips!  Every roof eventually needs replacing but extending the life of your roofing system reduces the potential for frequent repairs or a full roof replacement too soon.

Gutter Maintenance Checklist

Clean out the gutters: Gutter cleaning is essential to your roof’s drainage system this winter. Ensure they’re clear of leaves, pine needles, twigs, and other debris.  A buildup of debris leaves your gutters clogged, which can cause water to leak into your home and encourage mold growth.  If you have gutter guards, make sure you check and clean those too. If you’re not comfortable on a ladder, hire a company to clean your gutters for you.

Check for damage:  Separation between the gutters and the fascia can cause issues.  If water from rain and melting snow are running off your roof, it needs to flow directly into the gutters.  If it’s falling off the side of the roof before it hits the gutter, you’ll run into problems.  Pooling water around your home can damage your foundation or cause flooding in the basement.  Plus, water running over your wood fascia board can cause premature rot.

Check For Loose Gutters

During your routine gutter cleaning, make sure your gutters are still securely fastened to the eaves of your roof.  Loose gutters can fall and cause damage to your home or friends and family that may be entering your home.

Watch For Sagging Gutters

Like loose gutters, sagging gutters can also indicate a problem.  When gutters are out of place, water can leak inside your walls and cause mold or mildew.  Address sagging gutters right away to protect your home.

Check Your Downspouts

Check downspouts: Your downspouts are responsible for bringing that runoff water out and away from your home.  Make sure they’re not clogged, and they’re directing water about 10 feet from your home’s foundation.

Install a Drip Edge

A drip edge protects your home’s fascia. Without a drip edge, water can drain from your roof and leak behind the fascia.

Check For Fascia Damage

Fascia Boards can sustain damage over time.  Inspect for damage: Walk around your home and do a visual inspection of your wood fascia board.  Look for signs of splits or cracks in the wood, peeling paint, wet spots, mold or mildew growth.  The damaged fascia should be repaired or replaced before winter.

Check for rot: If you suspect water damage, and feel comfortable on a ladder, check the wood fascia for rot.  Push a screwdriver into the board in suspect areas. If it’s soft and goes into the wood, it means the wood is wet, rotting, and needs replacement.

Replace damaged fascia: The fascia protects your home from pests, excess moisture and supports the gutters.  If it’s damaged or rotten, you can replace it with a high-end aluminum fascia board. This metal fascia alternative looks great, is durable, long-lasting, and low maintenance.

Repaint Chipped or Peeling Areas

If you see peeling or chipped paint on fascia boards, it’s time to repaint.  A quality coat of paint helps protect the boards from rot and water damage.

Soffit maintenance checklist

Inspect for damage: A visual inspection will determine if your soffits are physically damaged.  Look for signs of rot, sagging, or separation from the roof edge or siding edge.

Check for signs of poor ventilation: Soffits play a role in your home’s ventilation system.  Excess moisture in areas of your home can indicate they’re failing.  Look for signs of condensation on the upper walls or ceiling and watermarks on beams in the attic.

Repair or replace damaged soffit: You should replace the compromised soffit before winter.  An aluminum soffit solution that is superior to wood options.  Improve aesthetics, ventilation, and ensure no pests make a home in your attic this winter with new soffits.

Inspect Your Attic

One way to spot potential fascia damage is to inspect the edges of your attic.  If you see evidence of water damage or pest infestation where the roof meets the far walls of your attic, it’s time for fascia repairs.

Remove Signs Of Pests

Bird nests, insect nests, or signs that pests are trying to make their way into your home can be bad for your fascia and gutter system.  Remove nests, spider webs, or hive activity. Repair holes around gutters and eaves where rodents can enter your attic.

Caulk Twice a Year

During your routine gutter maintenance, check the caulking between the gutter edge and the roof. Apply fresh caulking if you see gaps or cracks in the current layers of caulking.

Choose Professional Repair for Roof Fascia

Even with consistent care and maintenance, your roof fascia might eventually need professional repair or replacement.  If you notice issues that need more help than cleaning or repainting, call a professional roof repair company.