Luckily, summer isn’t over yet. Even so, it would be best if you thought about the upcoming season and all of its challenges. For example, you shouldn’t postpone some of the housework that’s got to be done before fall hits. Getting your roof ready for fall is somewhere to be found on your necessary-household-choirs list. Or, at least, that’s how it should be. If you’re wondering what you need to do to get your roof ready for fall, you’ve rung the right doorbell. In the article you’re about to read, we’ll show you everything you need to know about the process. Stay tuned for some useful info!
#1 Inspect your roof for falling debris
Before the fall, you’ll need to check your roof for any falling debris. You’ll be amazed at what can end up there: twigs, leaves, the frisbee your kids consider missing, you name it. It’s not hard to imagine all those things should be removed from your home’s roof. That way, you’ll prevent debris buildup and keep your home safe from various roof-related issues that might jeopardize your home’s stability and safety (such as erosion). All in all: inspect and clean, simple as that.
#2 Clean the gutters
Have you ever wondered why gutters are so important? Without gutters, our roofs would be doomed. In other words, they’d pick up a lot of various debris (leaves, for instance), which could cause water to stagnate. If you’ve got stagnant water “sitting” up there on your roof, that’s clearly not a good thing – it will make your home prone to rusting, rotting, and various types of damage we don’t want to scare you with (it has some to do with your home’s foundation).
As one might assume, gutters tend to catch falling debris, especially during a rainy period. The gutter clean-up process isn’t much of a hassle; you’ll just have to use a spatula to scoop out everything you might stumble upon. Additionally, a spatula will help you do away with any of the grime that might’ve stuck to your rain gutters.
#3 Install a gutter guard
Once you’ve dealt with all the dirt and debris inside your gutter system, it might be good to consider installing a gutter guard to prevent future debris buildup and potential water damage. Not only will you prepare your roof for fall, but you’ll also keep winter’s traits at bay. During the coldest season of the year, snow can block and weigh down your gutters. In other words, having a gutter guard installed can save your roof. Typically, gutter guards cost as little as $0.50 per foot. However, their price can reach $10 per foot, depending on the type and material.
#4 Check attic insulation
Proper ventilation in your attic plays a vital role in keeping your roof in its top condition. Therefore, a poorly ventilated attic can easily decrease your roof’s lifespan. In the simplest of words, a poorly ventilated attic will cook your roof from the inside, which is everything but a pleasant sight. So, check your attic insulation and replace or install some additional insulation if the whole thing seems crumbly or frayed. Oh, and if you happen to notice some bald patches, cover them immediately and install new insulation.
#5 Deal with overhanging branches
You’ll have to deal with overhanging branches to get your roof ready for fall. In other words: you’ll want to remove any of the branches overhanging your roof; that’s especially important if a lot of trees surround your place. Once fall hits, the leaves from overhanging branches will start to fall onto your roof and gutters. That’s what you want to avoid.
#6 Check for leaks
The next thing on your getting-my-roof-ready-for-fall list concerns checking for leaks. Now, even if your attic’s insulated correctly, you’ll still need to inspect it for leaks. If you’re to avoid doing such an action, that will mean you’ll welcome rainy autumn weather with potential holes in your roof, and that’s totally out of the question. You know the saying: better off safe than sorry!
#7 Hire pros to inspect your roof
If you’re somehow out of free time to conduct all of these inspections yourself, or if you’re not sure you’re the right person to do such a thing, it’s relatively easy to assume you’ll want to contact home inspection professionals to check your roof. They’ll check your roof for cracked, missing shingles, or any other type of roof damage. By hiring experienced roofers, you’ll rest assured knowing that you’ve done everything in your power to keep your roof safe and sound once fall hits. Also, if roofers find something’s awry with your roof’s condition, they might offer you a helping hand in dealing with the issue.
#8 Summer’s the best season for repairs
Last but not least, let’s just mention that summer might possibly be the best season to conduct roof repairs. That’s because the weather’s dry, and you don’t have to worry about anyone (including yourself) getting injured because they’ve slipped or something during the process. You don’t have to be Einstein to figure it out. Also, summer’s the period when roofers have the most work. Yeah, summer’s the right time to inspect & repair (if needed) your roof.
Final thoughts
Alright, folks, that’s all there’s to say about getting your roof ready for fall. As you could’ve read, none of these inspections/simple repairs won’t take much of your time. Neither will they require you to invest much effort. However, if you don’t do these little choirs every once in a while, issues can build up and cause some trouble. In other words, you’ll have no other option than to call up professionals. Many experts will be more than happy to assist you with this, so be sure to check all services they have to offer.
Author’s BIO: Damon Macky is a freelance content writer primarily interested in residential home maintenance. Therefore, it’s not surprising that the folks at Pro Movers Miami hired him to brighten up their blog. Besides blogging, Damon is a loving father of two young girls and an avid sports fan.
