Articles » 3 Things You Should do to Prepare Your Roof for the Fall Season

3 Things You Should do to Prepare Your Roof for the Fall Season

Tags: Roofing, Inspection, Repair

Fall is a beautiful time of year when the leaves change colors and the weather cools down. However, the autumn season also comes with several tasks that homeowners must do to their roof in order to prepare for fall.

1. Clean the Gutters

Homeowners need to clean off their roof during the fall season because the temperatures are mild and storms are less frequent. One major problem that comes with fall is the large amount of leaves that can accumulate on a roof. As fall wears on, more and more leaves will fall on the roof making it heavier. These leaves can cause a buildup of moisture which is not good for the roof, especially if the shingles are damaged. Once the roof is clear from leaves and debris, check for any holes in the roof.

Homeowners also need to clean the gutters so they do not get clogged with leaves. Leaves tend to weigh down the gutter and could cause damage to the fixture. A pile of leaves in the gutter can cause a clog when it rains. As a result, the water will overflow and could seep under the roof’s shingles and eventually into the house. If the water is left standing in the gutter it could cause the wood to rot. Leaf guards can be installed into gutters to prevent the clogging of leaves. The leaf guard uses a mesh net to prevent leaves from bunching up yet water can still flow through it. These contraptions are not very expensive and can save the homeowner a lot of work in the future.

2. Replace the Shingles

Shingles are an important part of any roof because they protect the home from the natural elements. Homeowners need to check their roof for missing or damaged shingles during the fall season. They can visually inspect the roof using a pair of binoculars to look for any problem areas. Any shingle that has started to curl or crack needs to be replaced immediately. Replacing these shingles will prevent moisture from seeping into the house.

To prevent a buildup of leaves from getting onto the roof, trees that are hanging over or near the roof will need to be trimmed. This will cut down on the number of leaves that will build up on the roof. Trimming the trees in the fall season is the perfect time because the weather is nicer and storms are not as frequent.

3. Inspect the Roof for Damage

Inspecting the roof in the fall season is a good idea because there is no snow or ice. Before checking the roof for damage, home owners need to first clear out any roof valleys, or places where the roof meets and creates a groove. Leaves can build up in this space causing rain water to build up and possibly find its way into the house. Another way to inspect the roof is check the flashing. Roof flashing is the metal component of chimneys and ventilation systems that is used to prevent water from entering inside the home. A strong storm or a hard rain can move these metal flashings out of place. Home owners can check for weak spots or flashing movement themselves but it is recommended that they call a roof inspector first. Home owners also need to watch out for cracking, warped wood and holes when inspecting their roof.

By preparing the roof for the fall season, homeowners are saving themselves a lot of trouble in the future. They will also not have to make repairs in the bitter cold of winter. Keeping the roof clean and repairing any shingles or holes are ways that home owners can prepare their roof for the fall season.

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