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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 MAINTENANCE TIPS

 

If you are grateful that summer is ending and the crisp coolness of fall will be arriving shortly, then you will probably start thinking about fall home maintenance.  But fall is a great time to do some roofing maintenance work, so you can have a safe rest of the year.

Below are fall maintenance tips that will help you keep your roof in great  shape.

1. Pay Attention to Humidity and Moisture

Humidity and moisture can cause your roof’s material to buckle and rot, and that would be a terrible thing to encounter in the middle of a winter’s night.  Make sure your roof can breathe, and if it can’t, rectify this as soon as you can.

2. Clear Your Downspout

It’s the job that everyone around the world despises, but it’s something crucial to keep up the health of your roof.  Lots of debris can get stuck in your downspout, especially if it isn’t cleaned regularly.  When was the last time you climbed up on that dusty ladder of yours and checked on your downspout?  Do it before a clogged-up downspout ruins your roof or other parts of your precious home.

3. Don’t Forget About Your Gutters

Just like with your downspout, your gutters are vulnerable to debris and dirt as well.  You want to ensure you clean your gutters, so you don’t affect the structural integrity of your roof.  Put it in your calendar to clean your gutters at least 2-3 times a year.

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.

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 are tips that no homeowner should bypass.  Leaks can be caught during twice a year inspections, but they can easily crop up at any time, especially with the passage of seasons.  Small and larger leaks can generate damage to the outside and inside of a home, and 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, plus 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 and 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 professional roofing experts that are 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, as is making 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.

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, and 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.

What’s up With Your Insulation?

You can’t ignore your home’s insulation.  With proper insulation, you can ensure your home gets the right amount of airflow and ventilation.  This can reduce the incidence of air-borne diseases, like the flu, cold, or asthma.  Proper insulation can reduce heating and cooling costs, and also increase comfort.  For you and your loved one’s health and to reduce your cooling costs, ensure that your insulation isn’t damaged.

Check for Streaking

If you notice that your roof has any kind of streaking on it, that can be an indication that you have a fungus or mold problem.  If you treat this problem quickly, it won’t cost you as much to repair.  But if left checked, it can result in a huge dent in your wallet down the road.

Shingle Repair

In humid climates, the excess moisture in the air can damage or weaken your roof shingles.  And also your roof beams.  On the other hand, if the shingles are too dry, they can become brittle, blister, crack and break down.  That’s why it’s so important to check your shingles regularly, so you can fix any problems as soon as they arise.  Remember, prevention is better than cure when it comes to roof care.

Caring for Your Roof With Fall Roof Maintenance Tips Is Easy

It’s easy to dismiss roof care as one of those inconsequential things.  Out of sight, out of mind – that’s usually the kind of epithet that applies to roofing maintenance.  But with a few easy fall roof maintenance tips, you can stay on top of your roof’s health and prevent more expensive problems down the road.  Isn’t that worth your investment in time and effort?