Welcome to Family Roofing

Fall is here and it is essential to take some time to think about the condition of your roof.  After all, your roof is one of the most critical parts of your home and keeping it in good shape will help protect you from the elements.  Below are maintenance tips that will help you keep your roof in shape:

SAFETY FIRST

The first thing to consider about gutter maintenance is your personal safety.  It is no small thing to climb high up and attend to your gutters.  In order to safely get up to your roof, use a ladder.  But be careful if you see any moisture because the steps on your ladder may become slippery.  Wear long-sleeved shirts you do not mind getting dirty since the debris that builds in your gutters may messy.

 KEEP YOUR ROOF CLEAN & REPAIRED

The leaves that fall from trees during autumn can decompose on your roof and cause water damage.  This is because the leaves will create a layer on your roof that will prevent the water from draining correctly.  If there is too much water on your roof, it can seep into your home and cause damage to the ceilings, walls, and floors.  In addition, if there is a lot of debris on your roof, it can be heavy and cause the shingles to break.  To prevent this from happening, keep your roof clean by sweeping up any leaves or debris that may have accumulated.  It would be best if you also repaired any damaged shingles as soon as possible.

CHECK FOR WATER LEAKS

The most important step involved in gutter maintenance is keeping an eye out for damage to the system itself.  Spray water down the cleaned gutters to check for water leaks.  If you do see a problem or a leak, note this so you can address it later.  Also, check for cracks in the wall or roof your gutter is adjacent to.  In times of heavy rain or snowmelt, overflowing gutters can spill onto your roof or walls, causing any previous cracks to let water in.

INSPECT YOUR GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS

Your gutters and downspouts are vital in keeping your roof in good condition.  They are responsible for carrying water away from your roof and preventing it from pooling on the shingles.  If your gutters and downspouts are clogged, the water will not be able to drain properly and could cause severe damage to your roof. T

INSTALL GUTTER GUARDS

For roofs that have significant leaf or other debris buildup each fall, it might be time to invest in a gutter guard.  Not only do guards keep more debris out of your gutters (and subsequently from falling down onto your roof), they also protect gutter and roofing systems from any damage caused by blockages or excess buildup. In addition, gutter guards actually tend to add significantly to property curb appeal, as prospective buyers are typically impressed that you’ve taken such interest in protecting the roof and its surrounding structures.

TRIM TREES NEAR YOUR HOME

Trees that are too close to your home can risk your roof.  If a tree branch falls on your roof, it could cause serious damage.  In addition, if a tree grows too close to your roof, the branches could damage the shingles. If you don’t feel comfortable taking down large limbs, consider consulting with a local tree service.

CHECK FOR ANIMAL ACTIVITY

Animals love to take shelter on roofs during the fall and winter months.  When they do, they can cause serious damage.  Animals can chew through the shingles and create holes in your roof, allowing water to enter your home and causing serious damage.  Gutter guards can help discourage pest activity by making it more difficult for animals to access your roof.

SCHEDULE A ROOF INSPECTION

It’s always a good idea to have your roof inspected by a professional at least once a year.  A professional roofer will be able to spot any problems that you may not be able to see.  They can also advise you on how best to maintain your roof in your local climate.