Fall Roof Maintenance Tips

Summer is coming to an end. Colder weather is on the way, and it's time to start preparing your home for winter, but is your roof prepared for another long, cold Canadian winter? Winter is the harshest season on your roof. It's also hard for roofing professionals to repair any damages when snow is on the ground and your roof. A little roof maintenance before winter can prevent serious problems and save you money down the road. We have put together an excellent list of recommended fall roof maintenance tips to help you prepare your roof for winter and identify any issues that need to be addressed. Keep reading to learn more!

Trim Trees Around Your Home

Trimming trees can help prevent damage to your roof, windows and siding. Trees that are too close to the house can be a severe problem if they are not trimmed regularly. Dead or low-hanging tree branches can fall on your roof and cause severe damage, especially when it's windy, raining or snowing. Trees that lean towards your home could also allow squirrels and raccoons to pay a visit to your roof. Trimming trees close to your roof can also prevent debris from accumulating. Twigs, leaves, and other debris can cause rotting, blocked gutters, pest invasion, and roof damage. To prevent these problems, overhanging branches should be trimmed and removed. 

Clean Debris From Your Gutters

It's important to clean debris from your gutters before it causes problems with your roof. Without regular maintenance, debris can build up and clog the gutters or catch on the roof, potentially resulting in leaks and damage. This can be particularly hazardous in the winter as clogged gutters can cause ice dams to form on your roof. Ice dams can cause serious damage to your roof and your home. To prevent ice dams from forming, you should clean out leaves and other debris regularly. After you clean your gutters, you may want to consider installing a gutter guard to block future debris from accumulating. Gutter guards can be beneficial in the winter, where snow can block and weigh down the gutters.

Perform a Roof Inspection from the Outside and Inside

When inspecting your roof, it's important to remember that the damage signs will differ depending on whether you see them from the inside or outside. Some things can only be seen when looking at your home from above. When inspecting your roof from the outside, you should look for missing shingles, damaged flashings and any holes in your roof. You'll have to get into your attic to inspect your roof from the inside. You should look for any sign of water damage, mould growth and roof leaks. If you notice these things, they most likely mean your roof has damage, which needs to be repaired immediately.

Have Any Roof Damage Repaired

If you notice damages during your roof inspection, it is essential to have them repaired as soon as possible. You should have any loose shingles fixed, have missing or damaged shingles replaced and have cracks or holes in the flashings or the roof itself repaired. Having your roof repairs completed as soon as you spot any damage will save you money down the road by preventing further damage from occurring. If you don't have the damages repaired, rainwater or snow melt may leak into your roofing system and cause further deterioration. Water damage to your roof could also eventually require replacement altogether, so it is essential to have damages repaired as soon as possible. We don't recommend fixing your roof on your own. If you don't have the proper tools or experience, you can end up causing more damage. Call the experts at United Roofing & Exteriors instead!

Don't Skip Fall Roof Maintenance

Your roof is your home's first line of defence against extreme weather, which is the main reason why you shouldn't skip fall roof maintenance. The longer you wait to maintain and inspect your roof, the greater your risk of severe damage and costly repairs. Fall roof maintenance is important in keeping your home safe during the winter. At United Roofing & Exteriors, we know it's best to start your roof maintenance as soon as possible to ensure everything stays in good shape! If you notice any signs of a leak or other issues with your roof, consult our professional roofing contractors for an inspection as soon as possible. Do not delay in getting help from an expert! Contact us today!