Welcome to Family Roofing

CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE – 202-276-5004   FAMILY.ROOFING@YAHOO.COM

 

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 ROOF MAINTENANCE TIPS

Fall is a great time to perform a roof inspection, as it allows you to identify and address any issues before the harsh winter weather sets in.  Below are tips to help you perform a thorough roof inspection in the Fall:

1. Check the gutters and downspouts: Clear out any debris, such as leaves and twigs, that may have accumulated in the gutters and downspouts.  This will help ensure proper drainage and prevent water damage.

2. Inspect the roof surface: Look for any signs of damage, such as missing or broken shingles, cracks, or holes.  Pay special attention to areas around chimneys, vents, and skylights, as these are common areas for leaks to occur.

3. Check the flashing: Flashing is the material that seals the joints and seams on your roof.  Make sure it is in good condition and not corroded or damaged.

4. Examine the attic: Look for any signs of water damage, such as stains or mold.  Check for proper ventilation and insulation, as these can help prevent ice dams from forming.

5. Consider hiring a professional: If you’re not comfortable performing a roof inspection yourself, consider hiring a professional.  They can provide a more thorough inspection and identify any issues that you may have missed.

Debris on your roof can cause problems

Debris can accumulate and result in moisture build-up that wreaks havoc on a roofing system, especially when the moisture freezes.  When leaves pile up on your roof, they hold in moisture, which causes the leaves to break down.  This creates soggy, heavy, debris pile-up that’s capable of clogging drains, promoting mold, and adding too much weight to your roof.  The water can also back up into your roofing system, creating leaks and structural issues.

Increased loads and decaying matter on your roof surface will eventually lead to degradation.  Organic debris can foster plant growth, including rooting into the covering and penetrating the roof system, which can result in substantial cracks or leaks.  Fall roof maintenance typically includes removing all debris, making sure the drainage system is working properly, and inspecting the entire surface to identify potential problems before more rain, ice or possibly snow enter the picture.

Freezing temperatures can be tough on your roofing system

Freezing temperatures alone, whether snow is involved or not, can have a big impact on your roof regardless of the type of roof you have.

Here are a few potential problems freezing temperatures can cause, especially when combined with debris:

• Small or large leaks

• Waterflow issues

• Material degradation

• Hairline cracks along roof penetrations

• Damage to the roof covering

• Pooling of environmental or other contaminants

• Mold and mildew when temperatures rise again

These problems can lead to expensive repairs down the road, shorten your roof’s lifespan, and even impact your property value.  Fall roof maintenance helps prevent them.

Completing these tasks each fall will improve roof longevity

During your fall roof maintenance, the top priorities are debris removal plus:

• Draining system clearing

• Material Inspection

• Roof penetrations inspection

• Identifying any potential problem areas

• Minor repairs and sealing

After the inspection, your roofing professional should discuss with you any damaged coverings, cracks, missing materials, and other issues that need to be repaired before freezing temperatures will make them worse.  You should also receive a list of recommended next steps and information about any items of concern that need monitoring.

OTHER FALL MAINTENANCE TASKS

Trim Trees Around the Perimeter of Your Home

You probably do not give much thought to the trees that surround your home.  However, larger trees with extended branches can pose a hazard to your home.  If a tree is leaning over your roof, branches and twigs can break off and fall onto your roof, causing damage.  Leaves from overhanging tree limbs can also collect in your gutter, resulting in blockages.  Wood rot, mold growth, and termite invasions are also concerning. This Fall, take some time to trim overhead branches that are near your roof.

Assess the Condition of Your Attic

The state of your attic can have a direct effect on the condition of your roof.  This Fall, check to see if the insulation in your attic is covering the vents in the eaves.  If it is, be sure to uncover these vents as this allows air to escape and prevent ice dams from forming on the roof in the winter.  Also, make sure that ridge and eave vents are free from plants and other debris.  If you suspect that you have unwanted guests in your attic, such as birds or rodents, have this problem remedied before winter.  These critters can create holes in your roof and cause extensive damage that is often costly to repair.

Inspect the Roof Flashings for Faults or Damage

Roof flashing is an essential component of your roof.  Flashing helps seal the spaces between the joints of the roof which is important for keeping water out.  Over time, roof flashing can develop small holes or can become corroded in different spots.  Tiny holes can usually be plugged with a roofing cement. However, larger sections of damage may require a new section of flashing.  Also, check to make sure that the flashing is not pulling away from the roof or leaving gaps where water could seep through.

Clean and Inspect Your Gutters

Your gutters have an important job to do.  They are designed to reroute water from your roof to an area away from your home’s foundation to prevent basement flooding and similar issues.  Unfortunately, gutters can easily become blocked with leaves, twigs, and other debris.  This Fall, clean out debris from your gutters to allow water to flow freely.  Also, carefully inspect your gutter system to ensure that water is not pooling around your home’s foundation.  When water saturates the soil around your home, it puts excessive pressure on the foundation walls which can cause them to crack.

Replace Old, Worn, or Broken Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are a highly popular roofing material because of its durability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of maintenance.  However, like any roofing material asphalt shingles can succumb to old age and poor weather conditions.  In time, asphalt shingles often develop bald spots which reduces their ability to protect your home.  They may also warp, curl at the edges, break, or come loose and slide off of your roof. If you have asphalt shingles that are damaged or missing, have them replaced long before winter.

A minimum of two roof maintenance inspections per year is typically recommended, with the second-most beneficial time being in the spring.  Taking care of small problems before they become large ones is key.