Preparing Your Roof For Fall And Winter

  Summer is fast coming to an end, and the kids are starting a new school year.  Fall is approaching with it's beautiful colors, falling leaves, and warm cozy fires.  Time to button up those jackets and our homes before the first freeze comes. Here are a list of four things you can do to prepare your roof for bad weather.


CLEAN THE GUTTERS:
 Leaves and debris can collect in your gutter system, and clog the downspouts. This will result in rain water overflowing your gutters, damaging your roof, trim and siding. The added weight of the wet leaves and water could also cause your gutters to pull loose from the anchor point or collapse.

To prevent these problems and unforeseen repair costs, make sure to keep your gutters relatively clear through the fall.  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 Off Debris:

It’s important to remove leaves, pine needles, and other debris from the surface of 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.

Carefully get up there and broom or blow off the debris that has collected on your roof, especially within 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.


CHECK FOR DAMAGES AND DETERIORATION:
Once the roof is clean, scan the surface for missing shingles or ones that have cracked curled or frayed edges. You can use binoculars to inspect from the ground or climb up to the roof to have a look.

Check for damaged flashing around vent stacks, chimneys, and skylights. These areas are the usual suspects when you have a leak. 

ATTIC INSULATION AND VENTILATION:
 Without adequate airflow in your attic, you could be looking at higher energy bills and roof leaks. 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.


Need a roofing evaluation or repair? Contact Boyd Construction Co Inc at (202)223-ROOF, or [email protected]