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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.

 

Why Fall Roof Maintenance is Important

 

The most important part of your home starts from the top to the bottom.  Therefore, your roof is the most valuable part of your house.  However, it experiences the highest amount of exposure to the elements and most often receives the least amount of maintenance.  With minimal attention, your roof could remain in its best shape year after year, giving you the most return for your investment.  Seasonal service is key to a long-lasting roof.  This is why fall roof maintenance is important.  Here are some tips to prepare your roof for the colder months ahead.

Trim Your Trees

While this is not direct roof maintenance, it is crucial that you make sure overgrown trees in your yard are trimmed in the fall.  Fall weather is unpredictable.   Extreme winds and heavy rains could blow down trees and large branches causing damage to your roof.  It could also help prevent excessive leaves in your gutters, which causes drainage problems and potential ice dams in the winter.  Additionally, tree limbs rubbing on your roof can cause damage.

Clean Out Your Gutters

Cleaning the gutters is probably one of the most dreaded tasks homeowner’s face.  However, it is a must.  Clogged drains mean big problems.  When the flow is blocked, excess water splashes on your roof encouraging mold growth and cracked shingles.  If you do not feel comfortable cleaning your gutters, invest in gutter caps and hire a professional to clean them for you.  As leaves and tree limbs fall on your roof, the leaves clump up and collect water and moisture which can lead to extensive roof damage.  By not cleaning the leaves off your roof, you can cause a domino effect of rot and damage that will be expensive to repair.  The water that collects on the fallen leaves will cause the shingles below, and eventually the roofing beneath, the leaves to rot.  This can then lead to a leak in your home, causing even further damage. In addition, the clumps of wet leaves put uneven pressure on the roof which cause the beams to weaken over time.

Get Your Roof Professionally Inspected

While you may think you can understand the condition of your roof looking at it from the ground, it is invaluable to have a professional inspection at least twice a year, every fall and spring. That way your roof can be prepared for the harshest seasons of the year, summer and winter.  A professional knows what to look for and knows what conditions could lead to significant issues.  They can also check hard to reach and see things like flashing around pipes, chimneys, or skylights.

Make Any Roof Repairs As Soon As Possible

If upon inspection any issues are reported it is imperative that you address it right away.  As we said earlier, fall weather is unpredictable.  You could experience hurricanes or major frosts and snow, all conditions that wreak havoc on your roof.  Therefore, fix any problem, no matter how minor it seems.  Ignoring issues could end up costing you more money, not only in roof repairs but to fix internal damage from leaks inside your home.

As a responsible homeowner, you understand the importance of being proactive with maintenance, and your roof must be a part of your property’s continued upkeep.  Many times people forget about their roof until there is a problem.