10 Roof Maintenance Tips for Fall
As we roll into autumn, the clear skies of summer are waning and thunderstorms and snow will be making their way to Colorado. Roof maintenance is often neglected during this time of year, but seemingly small problems can turn into costly repairs down the line. Taking the time to inspect your roof now will save you some cash and a headache in the future.
Here are our top 10 roof maintenance tips for fall.
- 1. Look out for leaks
- If you see signs of leaking, mold, or dampness in your attic, call a professional ASAP. Catching a leak early will only cost you a few bucks to fix, but the worse it gets, the more expensive it will be to repair.
- 2. Get rid of debris
- Excess debris can damage shingles, allow algae to grow and clog your gutters. To prevent this, make sure to sweep off sticks and leaves from your roof whenever you’re cleaning your gutters.
- 3. Don’t let the snow pile up
- Colorado has been known to see it’s first snow as early as October. When the first snowstorm hits, take a shovel or rake and gently pull snow off the roof to avoid it from collapsing.
- 4. Manage the moss
- Routinely checking for signs of fungus and algae. Fungus and algae create moss, which can retain moisture and freeze, causing damage to your shingles. If you do happen to find moss, invest in some zinc or lead control strips to get rid of it.
- 5. Trim the trees
- Long branches can scratch or even remove roofing materials. Removing branches that are getting close to your roof can save you a ton in the long-run.
- 6. Inspect your shingles
- After hailstorms, make sure to check for curling or loose shingles and for damaged flashing. These things can get worse over time, so catching them early will help your roof last as long as possible
- 7. Never power wash
- When you see fungus or debris on the roof, you may get the urge to power wash it all off. Don’t do that. Power washing can push water under your shingles and weaken the roof’s structure. Carefully removing debris and fungus with a broom or rake is the best way to go.
- 8. Clean your gutters
- Fall is one of the worst times of the year for your gutters. The leaves will fall from your trees and accumulate in your gutters, leading to clogs. Cleaning these leaves out will prevent damage by allowing rain to drain properly off your roof.
- 9. Watch for pests
- Termites, rats, squirrels, and other pests can cause serious damage to your roof. If you see signs of small animals or pests try to remove them immediately.
- 10. Install insulation
- Insulation not only keeps your house warm during the cold months of fall, but it can also prevent your roof from warping. It prevents snow from refreezing and causing water damage to your roof. If you don’t already have attic insulation, invest in some as soon as possible.
Consider these maintenance tips to save time and money on your roof this fall. Contact us with any questions you have!
