4 Essential Steps to Take to Prepare Your Roof for Cooler Weather
As summer begins to dissipate, fall and winter filters in and brings cooler weather with it. Fall is a beautiful time of year, but it, along with winter, can wreak some serious havoc on your wife. Here are four things that you can do to ensure your roof is prepared for the bad weather:
- Clean Out the Gutters.
When leaves, twigs and other debris collect in your gutter system, it will eventually create a severe clog. This is particularly true in the downspouts. This results in the gutters overflowing with rain water, which will lead to damaged siding, trim and roofing materials. In addition, the gutters could pull loose from the roof or collapse due to the excessive weight of the water and wet debris. You’ll want to make sure that you keep trees around the house trimmed and the gutters clean at all times. You may want to consider a gutter shield that will keep debris out of the gutters.
- Remove Any Debris from the Roof
In addition to debris in the gutters, debris can also accumulate on the roof. These pine needles, leaves, tree limbs and other debris can cause the roofing material to break down from the moisture. If you’re comfortable with getting up on your roof, you can use a leaf blower or a bloom to remove the debris. Pay close attention to the valleys of your roof, as these areas are the most vulnerable to potential damage.
- Examine the Roof for Deterioration and Damage.
If you got up on the roof, make sure to check for any deterioration or damage. If you weren’t comfortable getting on the roof, then you can visually inspect from the ground. Check for any shingles that have frayed edges, are curled or cracked or are missing. Make sure to look at the skylights, chimneys and vent stacks for any damaged flashing, as these can cause leaks inside.
- Check the Insulation and Ventilation in the Attic.
If your attic doesn’t have adequate insulation and ventilation, then roof leaks are likely and high energy bills. It can also result in moisture damage and potential development or mold and mildew. During the winter, it can result in the development of ice dams from snow accumulation that cannot melt and leave the roof completely.
If you need help inspecting your home for any of the aforementioned issues, contact us today. We are more than happy to inspect your home and perform any necessary weatherization techniques to ensure your home is ready for the cooler weather.