Many homeowners think they’re off the hook for worrying about roofing issues this time of year. After all, aren’t repairs and inspections typically done during the spring? Not exactly.
With the severe weather Alabamians have experienced this hurricane season, it’s critical to have your home’s roof inspected and make any repairs or replacements before the cold season arrives. Neglecting this maintenance can lead to costly repairs due to potential issues like water damage and leaks caused by ice dams.
Why is it essential to think about my roof right now?
Many contractors recommend roof maintenance in the spring. After all, strong winds and storms are bound to pop up occasionally. Our state also experiences its fair share of tornadoes and straight-line winds yearly.
In 2020, however, we’ve had an incredibly active hurricane season (traditionally lasting from May 15 through November 30). Storms such as Zeta have left a mark on many homes – and their roofs – this year.
Now that temperatures are mild enough and not too cold yet, it is recommended that homeowners take time to have their roofs fully inspected for damage, debris, or any other issues. Hiring a licensed roofing contractor for regular roof inspections ensures that any potential problems are identified early, maintaining your home’s structural integrity and safety. When January and February roll around, you’ll be glad you did!
Here’s what you should consider when it comes to your roof maintenance checklist this fall and winter:
Clean your gutters.
Pine needles, leaves, moisture, and roof debris can clog gutters at this time of year due to the typical weather patterns and their toll on area trees. If left unchecked, clogged gutters can ultimately lead to leaks in your roof.
In that sense, roof maintenance often begins with your gutters. Hire a professional to complete cleaning and inspection to ensure all gutters are debris-free and working correctly.
Cutaway too-low limbs.
While cleaning gutters is important, you should also evaluate the trees and branches around your roof. Did any trees get damaged due to recent hurricanes or other storms? Are there overhanging branches or tree branches hanging a bit too low or touching your roof?
They must be cut down to ensure no damage to your roof or shingles. When dealing with large trees or limbs, it’s always best to call a professional to ensure the removal of such is done correctly from the start and that you don’t have any other issues later on.
Remove moisture-packed leaves and pine straw from your rooftop.
Leaves and debris should also be removed from your roof, as you would for your gutters. Leaves, pine needles, and other debris can harbour moisture and damage your roof shingles and valleys, so addressing them as often as possible is important.
A roofing company or home services contractor can help!
Schedule a professional roof inspection.
While you’re evaluating your roof, you might realize that it’s been a while since you’ve had it inspected. Take this time to schedule an appointment to have a professional roofer come out.
Many times, professionals find things that you might initially overlook, such as damaged or missing shingles, which could lead to problems down the road. Professional roofers are also experienced at fielding questions about homeowners insurance, including what’s eligible for coverage and what typically isn’t.
Inspect for moss or algae.
Fall is typically a dry time for Alabama, but moisture fills the air when rainy weather stays around for a while (as it tends to do). This can be the perfect environment for moss or algae to grow on rooftops.
Just as you would remove moistened leaves or pine straw from your roof and gutters, you should inspect for moss or algae to remove, as well. Moss or algae and wettened leaves can slowly deteriorate the roof’s integrity, causing leaks and affecting the roof deck.
Take a look at the condition of your attic.
Perhaps you’ve recently been in the attic, getting Christmas or seasonal decorations. Did you notice anything peculiar in the ceiling of your attic?
The underside of your roof, right at the top of your attic, can indicate if a leak or other problem lurks below the roof’s surface. While your roofing inspector is checking the outside of the roof, allow them into your attic to ensure the underside of your roof is intact.
Remove debris from the exhaust or ventilation systems.
While cleaning your roof, you must ensure your exhaust and ventilation systems aren’t clogged with leaves or debris.
Clogs here could potentially interfere with your home’s heating and cooling elements. Your home’s systems must work together to keep your family comfortable. Checking for debris stuck in outdoor exhaust pipes could benefit (and protect) other areas of your home.
An HVAC technician is experienced in cleaning out ventilation systems and can guide you with a thorough inspection.
Repair damage to your roof or have a new one installed
When making the rounds and inspecting your roof, you may purchase a new one or make repairs, especially if your asphalt shingles show wear. Your homeowner’s insurance should tell you what it will cover regarding repair or overall replacement.
You can also use this time to determine if you need to renew or buy a warranty for your roof or shingles. This may help prevent significant costs from coming out of your pocket later, mainly if a roof replacement is necessary due to extensive damage.
Roofing financing options are available.
If you determine that your roof needs replacing, you may have questions about how you plan to finance your new roof. You might also need help with some good preventative maintenance to do this time of year.
No matter which part of the state you live in, click here to locate a roofing specialist near you. They can help with any questions you may have about springtime roof maintenance.
Just remember – a little roof prep today can mean the difference between a toasty-warm winter and a season of dealing with roof damage (or making it worse), leaks, and cold winter drafts.
