The change of seasons is a great time to do maintenance tasks around the house, including checking out the condition of your roof and preparing it for the winter ahead. Doing fall maintenance on your roof now can help you avoid problems later on, so here are some things you can do to make sure your roof is ready for winter.
Gutter Cleaning
Rain gutters might not seem like an important roof component, but the condition of the gutters can actually have a big impact on your roof. Gutters help direct the water away from your roof, and if they’re full, clogged, or damaged in a way that prevents water from going through the gutters, your roof will eventually suffer. If water or wet leaves sit against the edges of the roof, it can cause the roofing materials to deteriorate prematurely. The problem compounds when the water in the gutters freezes because the roof itself can be damaged and the gutters may eventually pull away from the roof from the weight of the ice and water.
Clean Debris
Debris on the roof can also cause problems for your roof if it’s left throughout the fall and winter. That’s because the debris traps water and makes it easier for mold to grow on your roof. The mold and organic debris increases the likelihood that roofing materials will start to rot, so be sure to clean away any sticks, leaves, and other debris from the roof. Cleaning the roof also reduces the chances of the shingles being stained, which looks better and helps the shingles last longer as well.
Check Soffits and Fascia
The soffits and fascia also need to be in good condition before colder weather sets in because any damage isn’t only dangerous because of the possibility of leaks, but you’re also at higher risk of a pest infestation when the soffits and fascia are in poor shape. Pests can damage the roof even more, so help protect your roof and home from pests by looking for and replacing any damaged soffits or fascia.
Do a Leak Check
Check the inside and outside of your home for any possible leaks. A thorough inspection of the roof’s exterior will sometimes reveal small holes or damaged shingles that will allow water through, but it’s important to check the attic to look for any signs of leaking. This includes stains and excess moisture in the attic. Irregular humidity levels shouldn’t be ignored because that could indicate either bad ventilation or leaks, both of which will negatively impact your roof.
Get a Professional Inspection
In addition to doing your own thorough roof inspection, it’s important that you have a roofing company in Sandy Springs inspect your roof as well. A well-trained eye may pick up signs of needed repairs that you may miss, or you may simply just need a second opinion for issues you’ve noticed in your own inspections. A professional inspection will ensure no potential problems are overlooked.
Do Repairs
If you or the roofing technicians find any problems, it’s important to have those issues repaired rather than procrastinate the repairs until spring. A lot of damage can result from just a few months of leaking water, so it’s important to have damaged shingles, flashing, or fascia replaced by roofing services in Sandy Springs as soon as possible. Contact Superior Roofing Company of Georgia today to schedule your inspection or repairs.