Tips for Maintaining Your Roof This Fall
Everybody has basic needs: food, water, clothing, and shelter. Shelter is what most people call “having a roof over your head.†A roof is definitely an important aspect of your shelter. In fact, second only to a foundation, a roof is the most important part of your home’s structure. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t maintain their roof, resulting in premature wear and tear and plenty of other problems. There are two main reasons people don’t maintain their roof: they didn’t know it was necessary or they don’t know how. The seasons are quickly changing, so read ahead for some tips for maintaining your roof this fall.
Clear Leaves, Dirt, and Moss
With autumn in full force, you’ll have to deal with fall foliage. Leaves are piling up faster than homeowners can rake them and they’re piling up on your roof. While the leaves look stunning, they can negatively affect your roof. If leaves remain on your roof for an extended period, they’ll begin collecting moisture and attaching to your shingles. The accumulated wet leaves may cause the growth of mold and mildew, and could potentially rot asphalt shingles. Leaves aren’t the only problem though; some roofs can accumulate dirt and moss. In most scenarios, you can merely hose off the dirt. Moss, on the other hand, may require a specific cleaner diluted with water. Some people will recommend bleach, but exercise caution, as bleach could discolor your shingles.
Clean Your Gutters
Most homeowners don’t realize that the condition of their gutters also plays a role in roof maintenance. While the autumn leaves are attractive, they don’t belong in your gutters. Part of owning a home is keeping your gutters clean year-round. There are several reasons you don’t want clogged gutters: first, the accumulation of leaves, dirt, and debris can put a lot of additional weight on your gutters, damaging your roof. Additionally, clogged gutters will cause water to overflow during a rainstorm. Water can then cascade down the side of your home, which can damage your siding. The water may also accumulate around your foundation and cause problems. Also, people don’t often realize that if there’s enough rain, despite the water cascading down, it may overflow onto parts of the roof and cause mold and mildew. In other words, gutter maintenance involves more than merely clearing the leaves.
Trim Surrounding Trees
Most people prefer having trees on their property because they provide shade during the warmer seasons. The problem is, those trees grow over time and sometimes branches extend near (or over) your roof. Having branches near your roof means you will have to clean your gutters frequently, especially during the autumn months. Additionally, critters can use the branches to get on your roof and damage your shingles, make nests in your gutters, and even get into your chimney. Take advantage of the fall weather and trim those branches or you’ll have to clean your roof and gutters several times a week during the fall.
Keep an Eye Out for Leaks
In most regions, the autumn months bring precipitation, and lots of it. The rain gives you a prime opportunity to look for any indication of a leak. Go into your attic during a rainstorm and look and listen for leaks. It’s better to catch the leak in the attic than waiting for it to ruin your drywall. If you’re unable to enter your attic, keep an eye out for any water stains on the ceiling. You should call a professional roofing company immediately if you notice any water damage. Try to manage it quickly before the damage progresses.
Replace Missing or Damaged Shingles
You should always be on the lookout for missing or damaged shingles and replace them sooner rather than later. The fall is a great time to tackle this project because of the cooler weather. A missing or damaged shingle will allow moisture to get under your shingles, and once that happens, mold and mildew will develop and cause your shingles and roofing to rot. While rotting is a big problem, missing or damaged shingles also increase your chances of roof leaks and other serious issues.
Get a Professional Roof Inspection
Whether you’re unable to look at your roof, you’re not sure what you should look for, or you simply don’t have the time: you can always call a professional. In fact, calling a professional roofing company to inspect your roof might be the best decision for you. However, many devious “roofers†will try convincing you that you should replace your roof in an attempt make money and perform a mediocre job. A trustworthy roofing company will identify issues with your roof and tell you what needs attention first. Moreover, a trustworthy company will speak honestly and let you know if your home needs a new roof. Finally, genuine roofing companies are happy to assist homeowners with any necessary roof maintenance. Deceitful “roofers†only want major jobs from which they can profit.
A roof is a necessary investment and you need to protect it. Part of protecting your investment is regular maintenance. While we discussed several tips for maintaining your roof, hiring a professional is one of the best—and safest—decisions to make. To reiterate, you must be wary when hiring a professional because many scammers claim to be roofers. You and your home’s roof deserve someone who knows what they’re doing, and not someone who will try convincing you that you need a new roof when you don’t.
If you’re looking for the most trusted roofing company in Lake Oswego, look no further than NW Home Exteriors. Our team consists of professionals with decades of experience, allowing us to offer top-quality service. Additionally, our team has the integrity and experience to provide accurate and honest insight about a home’s roof. If you truly need a new roof, we’ll tell you. So, whether you need roof maintenance services, gutter cleaning, or an entirely new roof, NW Home Exteriors has you covered. Contact our team today to schedule your free proposal.
