Fall Roofing Maintenance: 3 Tips for a Leak-Free Winter

When the leaves are changing colors and fall festivities are in full swing, it’s easy to forget that winter is on its way. By preparing your home for winter in advance, you can save hundreds of dollars and countless hours dealing with roof damage that could have been easily prevented with proper maintenance. Here are 3 ways to prevent roof leaks from happening this winter:

Clean Your Gutters

It’s important to clean your gutters at least once a year to prevent them from becoming clogged with debris. If there are a lot of trees surrounding your home, especially pine trees which shed a lot, you should clean your gutters every season. Clogged or damaged gutters cannot drain properly and may cause serious structural damage to your foundation when water overflows.

Don’t know where to begin? First, make sure that your ladder is on solid ground and secured to prevent it from slipping. Next, remove any debris such as leaves and sticks by hand. Using a hose to blast away large debris may cause your downspouts to clog. Once the larger pieces are removed, you can use a hose to wash away the finer debris.

Trim the Trees Around Your Home

Although fall foliage is one of the highlights of living in New England, a collection of leaves on your roof can cause rot or clog your gutters. Remove overhanging branches and trees that are leaning close to your home. Heavy winds and snow can cause large and small branches alike to fall onto your roof, which may cause damage.

Inspect Your Attic

Now that you have inspected the exterior of your home, it’s also a good idea to check out your attic to see if there’s any water damage. Finding any problems now will save you from larger problems in the winter. If you have the chance, try inspecting your attic on a rainy day so that you can see any leaks in action. If it’s dry outside on the day of your inspection, look out for:

• Mold or mildew
• Warped wood
• Stained insulation

Signs of moisture in your attic may be caused by poor ventilation. Make sure that attic vents are cleared of debris and are not blocked by any items stored in your attic. A well-vented attic is also paramount in preventing the formation of ice dams in winter, which can cause serious damage.

Get a Professional Roof Inspection

Did you run into a problem on your inspection or want a professional’s opinion? Contact us today for roofing repairs or a complete inspection.