As the temperature cools, it’s important to make sure your roof is ready for winter weather. During the spring and summer, rain and hail can take a toll on shingles, shakes and other
roofing materials. When even minor damage goes unnoticed, it can lead to major consequences, requiring expensive repair bills and disturbing interior issues.
Here’s your fall roofing checklist to help catch potential issues before they evolve into major problems.
Inspect Your Attic
It may seem counter-intuitive, but your
roof inspection should begin indoors. If your roof is leaking, you are likely to notice yellow or brown water stains on the ceiling in your attic. You may also notice a musty smell that would indicate the presence of mold. All of this is a sign that you have at least one leak in your roof, requiring attention from a qualified roofing contractor.
Do a Ground-Level Inspection
Before doing anything else, take some time to carefully inspect your shingles. You can start your do-it-yourself inspection at ground level. Carefully study every inch of your roof to see if any shingles are missing, broken, curling or blistering. You should also keep an eye out for rust spots or cracked caulking along metal flashing.
Look for cracked or worn rubber boots around vent pipes and watch for missing or damaged chimney caps. You should also inspect for moss or lichen, which is often a sign of underlying decay.
Check Your Gutters
Make sure your
gutters are clear, so water won’t overflow onto your roof or gather on the ground near your foundation. Look for leaves, branches and birds nests. Run a hose down your vertical downspouts to make sure they aren’t clogged with wasp nests or clumps of debris.
Trim Back Trees
Sometimes tree limbs will grow over the roof where they can rub against shingles and degrade their granules. In some instances, they can also create shady areas that can promote moss or mold growth. Tree limbs are also a source of debris, including twigs, branches, leaves and seed pods. When they drop organic matter, it can clump up and create moisture pockets that form a breeding ground for mold.
Schedule a Professional Inspection
If you notice any signs of roof damage or general wear and tear, call a professional roofing contractor. Even if you don’t see any damage, it’s a good idea to have a yearly inspection to catch potential problems in their infancies. A broken shingle or minor leak can be repaired for a small fee. On the other hand, if it goes unnoticed, even a minor leak can lead to massive repair charges.
If your home has a newer roof that hasn’t endured much harsh weather since its most recent inspection, you might be able to get by with a visual inspection from the ground and a meticulous examination of your attic. In any other situation, however, it’s best to schedule a comprehensive roof inspection by a roofing contractor who knows what to look for.
Why You Should Get Your Roof Inspected
Even a minor roof leak can lead to catastrophic damage if it goes unnoticed. On the other hand, the average cost to repair or replace damaged shingles is relatively low, especially when you compare it to the incredible cost of attic mold treatment. According to
experts, attic mold removal can cost up to $6,000, depending on the extent of a leak.
While homeowners can perform some basic fall roof maintenance tasks, it takes a professional to properly assess and analyze the full extent of potential damage and any repairs that may be needed. DIY roof maintenance can also pose many safety hazards, especially for people who aren’t used to being up on ladders. Not only could you accidentally damage your roof by walking on it; you could suffer a serious injury if your ladder collapses or you lose your balance and fall.
With this in mind, it’s a good idea to rely on seasoned experts to ensure that your roof is ready for harsh conditions that come with winter weather. National Home Improvement has been providing flawless
roof installations and repairs for more than two decades. Our experienced roofing professionals are trained to perform services in an efficient, safe and thorough manner.
If you are feeling challenged by DIY roof autumn maintenance,
contact us today to arrange an inspection.
