Fall is the time to prepare your roof for the winter season. Basic roof maintenance is easy and taking the proper steps will enhance your roof and help to extend its life. Between now and the first snow or freeze is the time to prepare your roof for the coming winter season
Clean The Gutters
Leaves and debris collect in your gutter system during the fall season and they can create a clog in the downspouts. Rain water can overflow the gutters, damaging your roof, trim and siding. In addition, the added weight of the leaves, debris and water can also cause your gutters to pull loose from the anchor point.
To prevent these problems and unforeseen repair costs, make sure to keep your gutters relatively clear through the fall. And, once the trees around your home are bare, do a thorough cleaning. You can also get out ahead of the fall season and have gutter screens or guards installed to prevent the collection of debris in the first place.
Clear Leaves and Pine Needles
It’s important to remove leaves, pine needles, and other debris from the your roof as well as your gutters. Even small bits of debris will hold moisture and possibly rot or mold, which will break down your roofing material.
If you’re confident and experienced in walking on your roof, get up there and broom or blow off the debris that has collected on your roof, paying special attention to the valleys, which are most vulnerable to water damage. Make sure they are free and clear of debris so as to allow water to flow. If you are not confident walking on your roof, contact us and we will send a technician to do this for you.
Look for Damage
With a clean roof, scan the surface for missing shingles or ones that have cracked curled or frayed edges.
Also check for damaged flashing around vent stacks, chimneys, and skylights. These areas are the usual suspects when you have a leak. Repairing flashing yourself may not always provide the results you expect, so give us a call and we’ll make sure everything is sealed properly before the rain hits. This is critical for extending the life of your roof.
Attic Insulation and Ventilation
Without adequate airflow in your attic, you could be looking at higher-that-necessary energy bills and roof leaks emerging in a snowstorm. During the day, sunlight hits your roof and heats up the air in your attic. Without vents located at the soffits, ridges, and/or gables of your roof, the hot air condensates, causing moisture damage and possible mold or rot in your roof’s supports.
This heat can also cause ice dams in higher elevations, inviting leaks when snow accumulates on your roof. Ice dams can be an issue in Central Oregon with our cold nights and sunny winter days. If your roof accumulates snow we can remove it. Contact us for information regarding roof snow removal.
