Your roof has held up through the stormy spring months and the sweltering summer months. While you can breathe a sigh of relief, don’t rest for long! Another stormy season is right around the corner. Fall and winter both have their dangers when it comes to extreme weather. Though you can’t do anything about upcoming storms, you can make sure your roof is in the best possible condition. Before the leaves begin to fall and the temperature dips, here is what you should keep in mind to have your roof ready for Fall and Winter.
Clean the gutters
Gutters can easily get clogged during any season – especiallyif you don’t have gutter guards. While cleaning the gutters is a messy job thatmost homeowners don’t enjoy, it’s a necessary one. If you don’t feel likegetting dirty or don’t feel comfortable on a ladder, you should hire aprofessional to clean your gutters for you. A professional gutter cleaner willmake sure your gutters are free from debris and do not have any damage orblockages. This will ensure water is drained away from your home’s roof andfoundation and prevent future problems. You may also want to ask your gutterprofessional about gutter guards to prevent buildup this fall.
Remove branches hanging over the roof
Do you have trees with overhanging branches? Though they maynot seem like an issue now, they can quickly cause problems when leaves beginto drop or when a large storm hits. Large branches or entire trees can fallonto your roof, causing major damage. Now is the time to trim those branchesback while the weather is still nice and before leaves begin to fall. If youhave the right equipment and if the branches can be easily reached, you may beable to do this by yourself. If not, call a professional tree service to helpyou out.
Remove fallen debris
Even if you don’t have overhanging tree branches, debris canstill build up on your roof. Leaves, branches, and other materials can gatherin your gutters or on the roof itself, causing clogging issues and possiblefuture damage. If you can easily access your roof, remove visible debris.However, the same holds true here as it does for cleaning gutters. If you don’tfeel comfortable on a ladder or don’t want to get messy, you should hire aprofessional. The removal of debris is important after every major storm, soremember to keep up on this job throughout the colder months.
Make sure the atticis properly insulated
Did your heater have trouble keeping up with the cold last winter? If so, you may not have enough insulation in your attic. Now is a good time to evaluate your insulation and decide if adding mineral wool or spray foam insulation is in order. Adding insulation can cut down on heating costs and keep your family more comfortable this winter and is a smart thing to add to your to-do list.
Check for any damage
Though you may not realize you have damage, your roof may still have been affected by spring or summer storms. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Inspect your roof now and look for missing or damaged shingles, broken gutters, holes, leaks, and other issues. Though you may be able to spot some damage yourself, a professional Midwest exterior company such as A&A Exteriors knows exactly what to do look for. When you get a professional roof inspection, you can repair issues now before they cause major problems. If the exterior company sees damage, they can recommend repairs or, in certain cases, advise you get a new roof before the harsher seasons hit.
When the season changes, it’s important to have your roof ready for Fall and Winter. By making small repairs now, you can ensure your family is safe and comfortable all year long. Need a professional inspection? Call Midwest exterior professionals A&A Roofing & Exteriors today!
