5 Fall Roof Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Home Safe and Secure
Updated: Sep 26, 2022
The leaves are changing color and falling from the trees, which can only mean one thing - it's time for your fall roof maintenance routine to get underway! It's important to take the time now to inspect your roof and make any necessary repairs before the winter weather sets in. A small leak or hole in your roof can turn into a big problem if it's not taken care of right away. In this blog post, we will discuss 5 tips for fall roof maintenance that will help keep your home safe and secure this winter!
The importance of regular roof maintenance
The fall of the leaves serves as a timely reminder that your roof needs regular maintenance and inspection. Leaves and other debris can clog your gutters and downspouts, which can lead to water damage on your roof. In addition, the changing seasons can cause wear and tear on your roof that may not be immediately apparent until you take a closer look.
Sometimes a trained eye is needed to spot potential problems. That's why it's a good idea to have your roof inspected by a professional at least once a year.
We've written before about how regularly inspecting your roof can pick up on small issues now, that have the potential to turn into big and expensive problems down the road. Whilst yes, sometimes roof replacement is a better investment if you stay on top of your roof inspection and roof maintenance schedule you can avoid having to go down this path until your roof has reached the end of its natural life span (up to 20 years for asphalt shingles and longer even longer for roofs made from other roofing materials).
Your roof is your home's first line of defense against the elements. It is integral in protecting your family and your worldly possessions, so it's important to take care of it! By following these 5 tips for fall roof maintenance, you can rest assured that your home is in good shape to weather the winter months ahead.
5 essential fall roof maintenance tips
Now that we've talked about the importance of roof maintenance in general, let's get into some specific tips you can use to get your roof ready for winter.
Tip #1: Inspect your roof for damage
The first step in any fall roof maintenance routine is to inspect your roof for damage. If you have a shingled roof, look for cracked, curled, or missing shingles. A few shingles may need to be replaced here and there, but if you have more than a handful that are damaged, it's time to call in a professional. If you have a metal roof, look for rust or holes. Owners of tile roofs should inspect for cracked or missing tiles.
Tip #2: Clean your gutters and downspouts
As we mentioned in the introduction, leaves and other debris can clog your gutters and downspouts, which can lead to water damage on your roof. This happens when the normal flow of water is impeded and the water backs up, saturating the roofing material and causing it to deteriorate. To avoid clogged gutters this fall, make sure to clean your gutters and downspouts on a regular basis - at least once a month, but preferably more often if you live in a particularly leafy area.
Tip #3: Trim tree branches near your roof
Another fall roof maintenance task that will help keep your roof in good condition is to trim any branches that are hanging over your roof. This is important for two reasons: first, branches can scratch or dent your roof; and second, falling branches can cause serious damage to your roof. Whilst you may think that horror stories like this only happen in movies, they can and do happen in real life - so it's better to be safe than sorry!
Tip #4: Make sure your chimney is in good working order
Another potential source of roof damage is your chimney. Make sure that the flashing around your chimney is in good condition and that there are no gaps or cracks. In addition, you should have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional at least once a year.
Tip #5: Check for moss and lichen growth
Moss and lichen can cause damage to your roof by holding moisture against the roofing material. This increases the threat of water leaking into your home. And if you live in an area with cold winters, this moisture can freeze and cause the roofing material to crack. If you see moss or lichen growing on your roof, you should remove it as soon as possible.
How to inspect your roof
Now that we've gone over some of the fall roof maintenance tasks you should be doing, let's talk about how to actually inspect your roof. After all, you can't fix what you can't see!
There are two ways to inspect your roof: from the ground or from the rooftop. If you have a single-story home, inspecting your roof from the ground is relatively simple - just grab a pair of binoculars and take a look. If you have a multi-story home, you may need to use a ladder to get a good view.
Inspecting your roof from the rooftop is a little more complicated, but it's still doable if you're comfortable with heights. First, make sure that your ladder is placed on firm, level ground and that it is the correct height for your roof. Once you're sure that your ladder is safe, you can climb up to your roof. Here's a question we get asked a lot: do I need to actually get on my roof to inspect it properly? Technically, a thorough roof inspection involves getting up on the roof and walking around to look for damage. However, if you're not comfortable with heights, you can also inspect your roof from the edge. If you do decide to walk around on your roof, be sure to wear soft-soled shoes to avoid damaging the roofing material. Or, better yet, let a professional handle it.
When to call a roofing professional
There are some cases where it's best to leave roof maintenance to the professionals. For example, if you have a tile roof, you should have it inspected and cleaned by a professional at least once a year. The same goes for any roof that is more than 20 years old - it's a good idea to have it inspected by a professional on an annual basis.
If you're not sure whether your roof needs professional attention, it's always better to err on the side of caution and give us a call. We'll be happy to take a look and let you know what we think.
In conclusion
Fall is the perfect time to give your roof some TLC. By following the tips in this blog post, you can help keep your roof in good condition and prevent having to invest in roof repairs and roof replacement until it's absolutely necessary.
At Sanders and Sanders Roofing, we take the guesswork out of roof maintenance. We offer a wide range of roofing services, including roof inspections, repairs, and replacements.
At Sanders and Sanders Roofing, we understand that your roof is more than just a piece of your home - it's what protects everything that is valuable to you. With offices in Gulfport Mississippi and Daphne Alabama, our roofing company has been helping homeowners across the Mississippi and Alabama gulf coast keep their homes and businesses safe from the elements. Our excellent service and commitment to quality construction are your best defense against the ravages of time, weather, and wear.
Don't wait until it's too late to take care of your roof. Get the peace of mind that comes from knowing their property is well-protected. If you're in need of a new roof or repairs to an existing one, we invite you to give us a call. We'll be happy to provide you with a free consultation and estimate. Thanks for choosing Sanders and Sanders Roofing!