Last Call for Fall Roof Seasonal Maintenance

Winter is just around the corner … so it’s time to be thinking about last call for roof maintenance!

In this article, you’ll find what preventative measures you can take to maximize your roof’s life, and giving you peace of mind when the wind and rain blast your home and the snow covers your rooftop.

The most important reason for careful roof maintenance is preventative measures. A minor issue that’s left unresolved can turn into a major issue in a year or two, maybe even much less with winter’s brutal forces.

Here are some things you need to inspect before the last call to winter.

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You may be able to perform some of these inspections yourself, but an inspection from a professional roof expert is the gold standard for increasing the longevity of your roof!

Remove debris from gutters, roof surfaces and valleys. Debris on your roof may cause water to back up under the shingles and create leaks. Leaves, sticks and other debris in gutters may slow the flow of water causing the gutters to overflow and/or the downspouts to clog. The unwanted moisture then travels down around your home’s foundation and can pool in the crawl space or basement.

Trim trees and shrubs near your home. Branches scraping against the shingles can cause wear over time, not to mention the potential for one of those large branches to break under the strains of winter weather and compromise your roof. (Oh, and the branches can also provide a convenient path for critters to jump onto your roof as they search for warm nooks to wait out the long winter!)

Check shingles, flashings and caulking for cracking or damage. It’s obvious that your shingles need to be intact, but flashing and caulking are also essential to keeping your roof watertight.

Also check the gaskets around extruding roof pipes for cracks and wear. They are a major cause of roof leaks. The dramatic drops in temperature that winter brings cause the rubber gaskets around plumbing vent stacks to crack and create an space for water to sneak into your home.

Check to ensure you have proper attic ventilation. Condensation that occurs in your attic can destroy adhesives in the plywood decking, causing delamination of the layers and possible shingle damage. During the attic inspection, consider adding insulation, if needed. Proper insulation can help prevent the thawing and freezing that creates ice dams.

Stay warm and safe this winter, and keep the weather on the outside!

By taking these preventive measures, you can enjoy a winter season free from the worries of weather-related issues.

If you have any concerns or require professional assistance with roof maintenance, don’t hesitate to reach out to roofing experts in your area. They will provide the necessary expertise and guidance to keep your roof in excellent condition throughout the winter months.