Homeowner Tips for Caring for Your Roof in Fall
9/13/2024
For many of us, fall is our favorite time of year.
Between cooler weather, pumpkin spice everything, trees that celebrate the season with a riot of colors, and the opportunity to spend a cozy evening beside a roaring fire, this is a season of fun.
Between winding down for summer and preparing for cold, harsh weather, there’s a lot that needs to be done. That includes prep work and maintenance for your roof because there’s nothing worse than roof repairs in winter.
Not to worry. We’re here to help. Here are our top autumn tips for caring for your roof.
Top Tips for Roof Care in Autumn
As always, there are potential dangers when working on the roof. If you aren’t confident in your ability or safety in any of this work, please contact a professional roofing company. Look for a CertainTeed authorized dealer. They have the experience to keep you and your family safe.
Let’s review our top tips:
The leaves might be gorgeous in fall, but they can be a hazard if they clog your gutters. Clogged gutters can trap snow and water on the roof that will freeze and cause serious damage to your home. The rotting leaves can also lead to mold. Make sure to clean the gutters after the last of the leaves are off the trees. Don’t leave the leaves sitting around your home. Clear them away in the trash or a compost pile.
Trim Away Limbs and Branches
After summer growth, you may have limbs hanging over your roof or near your home. In the high winds and winter weather, these limbs and branches can be a danger. They can crack and fall on your roof or against your home, or scrape and damage shingles or siding. Trim all the limbs that hang over the home or that might cause damage. Do a basic inspection of the trees for any damage.
Leaves and limbs aren’t just a danger to your gutters. They can also cause damage to the roof. Make sure to clear away the leaves that accumulate on the roof. If there is other debris, like branches or leftover toys, clear it away. Any of these items can cause damage to the roof. Your roof should be clear and free of debris before the first snow.
Conduct a Visual Inspection
While you’re clearing away debris, inspect the roof visually. Look for damage, worn shingles, or flashing that might have pulled away. If you see any sign of damage, call a roofing professional to repair the problem and perform basic maintenance.
Preparing your Home and Roof for Winter
While many savvy homeowners can easily follow these tips in autumn, that’s not all you should do. It’s a good idea to schedule a roof inspection in the fall and spring. A roofing professional can see if there are any potential problems you might have missed.
If you have any questions, contact your local CertainTeed roofing professional for help.