As the temperatures start to cool and the leaves begin to change color, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your home for fall. Of course, one of the most important parts of your home to focus on is your roof. Strongsville is no stranger to severe weather, so ensuring your roof is in tip-top shape before heavy rain and hail is essential. Here are a few tips to help you get started.
Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
As any homeowner knows, gutters and downspouts are essential to the rainwater drainage system. They help to collect water from the roof and channel it away from the foundation, preventing costly damage.
However, gutters and downspouts can quickly become clogged with leaves and debris, causing water to back up and overflow. Furthermore, standing water in gutters and downspouts can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests.
For these reasons, it is crucial to keep gutters and downspouts clean and debris-free. Also, this way, you can help protect your roof from the potential damage of autumn storms.
Apply a Fresh Coat of Sealant to Exposed Areas of Your Roof
Given the exposure that your roof has to the elements, it’s no surprise that it will eventually start to succumb to wear and tear. One way to help extend the life of your roof and prepare it for autumn is to apply a fresh coat of sealant to exposed areas.
Sealant helps protect your roof from the elements and prevent water damage, which can be especially harmful during the colder months. It’s a good idea to apply sealant around vent pipes, chimneys, skylights, and other potential entry points for water.
It will help to create a barrier against water damage and prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
Trim Tree Branches
Trees provide many human benefits, including clean air, shade, and beauty. However, overgrown branches can also harm people and properties if they are not properly maintained. Strong winds can cause these branches to snap and fall, causing severe damage to your shingles and even leading to leaks. Fallen leaves can also clog gutters and downspouts, leading to water buildup on your roof.
For these reasons, you must trim tree branches regularly, and by taking some time to trim back any overhanging branches, you can help protect your roof from potential damage this fall.
Check Your Roof Flashing
Roof flashing is a waterproof barrier that helps to prevent leaks around chimneys, vents, and other protrusions. However, roof flashing can become cracked or damaged over time, allowing water to seep through and cause damage to your roof and home.
By inspecting your roof flashing and repairing any damage, you can help prevent costly repairs down the road, and you will be prepared for the upcoming season.
Inspect Your Roof Shingles
One of the most important things you can do to prepare your house for the cooler months is to inspect your roof shingles. With the heavy rains and winds that often come with fall weather, you must ensure that your roof is in good condition. Cracks, missing shingles, and other types of damage can all lead to leaks and other problems. By taking the time to inspect your roof now, you can avoid having to deal with expensive repairs later on.
Check Your Attic and Skylights
As the saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers.” But before you can enjoy the beauty of spring, you need to make sure your home is ready for the rainy season. One often-forgotten task is checking your attic and skylights for leaks. A small drip might not seem like a big deal, but it can quickly cause significant damage to your home. Water stains on the ceiling are a telltale sign that your roof is leaking, but by then, it’s usually too late to prevent damage.
To avoid costly repairs, inspect your attic and skylights before the rains begin. Look for cracks or gaps in the sealant; if you find any, seal them up with caulk or weatherstripping. Doing so can help ensure that your roof stays in good condition all season long.
Check Roof’s Ventilation
Adequate ventilation is necessary for any roof, but it’s especially crucial in the colder months. When there’s insufficient ventilation, heat can build up under the shingles and cause them to break down prematurely. So, before the winter sets in, take a few minutes to check that your roof vents are clear and unobstructed. To ensure that your roof is adequately ventilated, check that there are no obstructions preventing air from flowing freely through the vents. Also, make sure that the vents are spaced evenly throughout the roof, so that air can circulate constantly.
This simple task can help prolong the life of your roof and keep your home warm and comfortable all season long.
Schedule a Free Roof Inspection by Chappelle Roofing
As you’ve read by now, it’s important to ensure your roof is in good condition as autumn approaches. Severe weather can be tough on roofs, so it’s best to be proactive and have any necessary repairs done before the heavy rains and storms arrive.
That’s why Chappelle Roofing, a Strongsville OH roofing contractor, offers free roof inspections to help homeowners get their roofs ready for the upcoming season.
During an inspection, a trained roofing professional will examine your roof for signs of damage and wear and tear. They will also check for any areas susceptible to leaks or other problems. If any repairs are needed, Chappelle Roofing LLC, the #1 roofing contractor, can estimate the cost of the work.
By scheduling a free roof inspection now, you can rest assured that your roof will be able to withstand whatever Mother Nature brings this fall and winter.
