The roof, the roof, the roof is on fire! This inferno of a summer is not going away without a fight. As we’re dreaming of cooler wather we thought now would be the perfect time to flip the calendar and look to fall. Here are a few tips you can do this fall (and all year long, really) to make sure your roof is in optimal condition.
To properly inspect a roof, you have to get up close and personal. A cursory look from the sidewalk won’t accurately show a cracked shingle or loose flashing. If you don’t feel comfortable with your ability to assess or access your roof for any reason, give us a call. Conducting a regular roof inspection is important but not worth a personal injury.
First, we have to take all the necessary precautions.
Once you’re up there, look for any damage to your shingles. Missing or damaged shingles are prime spots for water to get in and cause leaks. You don’t want to be hosting a Thanksgiving dinner with pots and pans laid out to “contain” pesky leaks. You also want to check your flashings. Flashings are thin, metal strips designed to prevent water seeping in from chimneys, satellite dishes, or other vulnerable spots. It’s important that imperfections of either are immediately addressed. Flashings, for example, can loosen or tear off during a storm, leaving you much more vulnerable when the next storm comes. While up there, also check for fungus or algae. Remove any clumps and spray a mix of liquid chlorine bleach and water over the areas in question. Let sit for 15-20 minutes and then gently rinse away with low-pressure water.
Next up we’ll turn our focus to the gutters. First up, check out and tighten all of your gutter’s bolts, they may have loosened during harsh weather and can lead to sporadic leaks throughout the perimeter of your house. Then physically remove any leaves or blockages from the gutters. Finally, pour water through your gutters and look for any drips or leaks. If there aren’t any, you’re good! Part of keeping the long term health of your gutters is not only clearing them but managing how the debris got there in the first place. So, be on the lookout for any overgrown tree branches that extend over your roof. Trim mangly tree branches so they don’t fall onto your roof or clog your gutters with leaves come fall.
Whatever you may see during your time on your roof, it’s important to get it addressed promptly. Winter and spring are some of the worst times to get your roof repaired because the demand is so high. Use the cooler fall weather and period before winter to repair any damages to your roof. It really is something that is more than worth the investment. Putting off necessary repairs only kicks the can down the road and accumulates expenses down the line. Be proactive about your roof, make sure you’re protecting what’s protecting your family.
Call us at 877-487-4826 for any of your roofing needs, you’re not in this alone!
