5 Fall Maintenance Tips  

Fall is one of the best times of the year to tackle roof maintenance while the weather cooperates. You will want to make sure your roof is prepared for winter before snow and ice arrive. Once harsh winter weather hits, it is harder to identify and fix issues – meaning, you may have worse damage in spring. 

Your roof has already undergone harsh summer conditions like heat and UV rays and is now about to be exposed to freezing temperatures. Now is the best time to tackle any problems that arose over the summer and prevent winter-related issues at the same time.  

Many people don’t act until there is a tangible problem like a leak, but taking that approach ends up costing money and time. It’s better to prevent those problems and keep your roof in good shape, encouraging longevity.

1. Inspect the Roof

You might be hanging holiday lights soon anyway, so inspect your roof at the same time! Look around the perimeter of your roof and check for damage, missing shingles, or anything else that could indicate a leak. Damage may include punctures, buckles, curling, or standing water, especially on a flat roof.

Some problems are not visible from the ground, so the best course of action is to have a professional inspect your roof to identify any issues you may not notice yourself. Roofing experts can often catch problems before they turn into issues that require extensive repair or even roof replacement.

2. Interior Inspection

Sometimes damage and leaks are only noticeable from the interior of your home. Performing a quick visual check of your attic, ceilings, and walls can prevent problems such as mold or rot. Your attic is an important part of your house since it is what separates your living space from the roof. This is where leaks may show up the most prominently. It’s important to ensure your attic space is well insulated and has proper ventilation. Insulation helps keep heat inside during cold winter months, and roofs with poor ventilation tend to accumulate melted snow which leads to ice dams. 

3. Clear Gutters and Debris

This is the time of year when all those colorful falling leaves make their way into your yard, roof, and gutters. Leaves are notorious for clogging gutters, preventing water from draining off your roof. In colder temperatures, this clogged water easily freezes, leading to the development of ice dams. Ice dams are walls of ice at the edge of a roof that prevent melting snow from exiting the roof, causing a backlog that can leak into the home.

4. Trim Trees

Along with clearing out your gutters, trim trees and branches back from your house to prevent foliage from clogging them in the first place. Trimming overhanging trees can reduce algae and moss growth and prevent debris from falling and damaging the roof.

5. Pre-Winter Repairs

Finally, if an inspection brings to light any repairs that need to be made, the time to make them is now. Winter is just around the corner and delaying repairs can cause them to get backed up until spring due to snow. Fixing the problem right away will prevent bigger issues in the future.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to our professional roofing experts for maintenance and repairs before winter. Contact Enterprise Roofing for a free roofing estimate today! Call 937-240-2206 or request a quote online.