Fall Will Be Here Soon—Here Are the Key Roof Maintenance Tasks You Should Complete
At Xtreme Exteriors, we’re still enjoying the last warm summer weather, and we hope you are too (while dodging storm damage). As the calendar turns over, fall isn’t too far off, with its crisp evenings and foliage. But fall is also the ideal time to be thinking about roof maintenance, as winter is always a major test for any roofing system.
Our roofing team here at Xtreme Exteriors always recommends homeowners complete several tasks during the fall to ensure their roof is in excellent condition. This roof maintenance will ensure your roof is ready to withstand freezing temperatures, temperature swings, snowfall, and more. So as we close out the summer, here are the key fall roof maintenance tasks you should keep in mind!
Clean Your Gutters
Leaf removal is probably one of the first things you think of when it comes to “fall home maintenance.” Whether you choose to rake your leaves or not, one place you should always remove leaves from is your gutters.
Excessive leaves can clog up gutters and inhibit their functionality. This is a major threat to your roof, as poor drainage is one of the quickest ways to get a roof leak. During the fall, take the time to remove leaves and other debris from your gutters. You can also get in touch with a home exterior to complete this task for you.
Depending on how wooded your yard is, you may need to clean your gutters multiple times to ensure they will function properly when winter arrives.
Clear Debris from Your Roof
While leaves are most likely to collect in your gutters, leaves and other debris can also pile up on your roof itself. Accumulating debris can lead to mold, mildew, and algae. If left until the winter, these piles of debris can also create an opportunity for snowmelt to collect and form ice dams on your roof.
Before the first big snow, make sure you’ve removed as much debris as you can from the surface of your roof.
Trim Tree Branches
In the autumn, a lot more than just leaves will fall from trees near your home. Windy days, freezing temperatures, and accumulating snow can also cause large branches to snap off of trees. If your home is in the way, look out! Large branches can easily puncture holes in your roof, creating a major problem.
The best way to protect your home and roof is to inspect nearby trees and trim back any branches that hang over your home. This especially goes for branches that appear dead, as these are much more likely to snap off and fall during the winter.
Check Roof Vents
Your roof’s ventilation is a key component of the roofing system overall. Ventilation helps to regulate your home’s temperature and allow moisture to evaporate, rather than collecting within your home.
Ventilation is especially important during the winter. Poor ventilation can cause your roof to become very warm, creating a situation ripe for ice dam formation.
Fall is a great time to check your roof vents and make sure they’re allowing air to flow properly. For vents located in your attic, make sure they aren’t blocked by stored items.
Schedule a Roof Inspection
The most important thing you can do for your roof when it comes to proper maintenance is to book an inspection with a professional roofer. Fall is the perfect time to book an inspection, as it’s essential to ensure that your roof did not sustain storm damage and is fully functional with winter around the corner.
Complete Your Roof Maintenance Checklist! Book an Inspection with XE Today
Xtreme Exteriors is the leading home exterior company serving the Midwest. As a locally owned and operated company, we’re very familiar with the typical threats facing roofs throughout our service areas. We’re ready to help you complete your roof maintenance checklist, and we’ll provide a thorough roof inspection to ensure your home is ready for winter. Reach out online to schedule an inspection or stop by the Xtreme Exteriors showroom nearest to you:
Nixa, MO | Shawnee, KS | Rogers, AR | Pittsburg, KS | Goodlettsville, TN
