How to protect your roof during the fall season
Quarterly Roof Maintenance
Autumn in North Carolina is a pleasant time when the heat and humidity of the summer months retreat and the outside conditions level off to a much more pleasant temperature…a time to be outside and enjoying the changing of the fall leaves and everything the season has to offer.
Autumn is also a great time to give your home the TLC it deserves, starting with the roof! When autumn arrives, there are a few things you need to do to protect your roof from damage and identify potential roofing problems that require immediate maintenance.
Clear gutters and roof of fallen leaves
When the leaves fall, your roof/gutters fill with debris which may cause an even bigger problem. When organic matter (in this case leaves) collect on your roof, they trap moisture underneath. This moisture leads to the growth of mold and fungus. As mold and fungus grow, they eat away at your roofing materials which causes leaks and compromised roofing materials. Leaves can also clog up your gutters which causes water issues. When your gutters are not functioning properly, water pools on your roof and increases your risk for leaks and strain on your roof.
In order to prevent damage to your roof during the fall months, remove all leaves that collect on your roof and around your gutters. In fact, it might be worth your time to think about installing a gutter guard. A gutter guard lessens the chance of your gutters clogging from leaves/debris and minimizes the time spent cleaning them regularly in the fall months.
Clear low-lying branches near your roof
Autumn in North Carolina is a wonderful time to be outside enjoying the nice weather and sipping on a pumpkin spice latte, but it is also prime hurricane season. From June 1- November 30, the east coast is often pounded by tropical storms and hurricanes, so it is important to be prepared. Make sure to remove low-lying branches that may damage your roof. Take the time to trim back overhanging branches that may drop leaves or potentially fall on your home when hurricane force winds come to the area.
Cutting down your low-lying limbs will also protect your roof during the winter months. Winter in the south is less about snowfall and more about protecting your home if freezing rain comes to town. Removing all low-lying branches will prevent any limbs or branches from falling on your house from the weight of snow or freezing rain.
Inspect your roof to make sure it is in peak condition
Inspecting your roof is a great way to protect your home, and autumn is the perfect time to do it! Inspecting your roof falls under the “preventative maintenance” category and can significantly reduce your chances of damage and expensive major repairs.
- A visual roof inspection should be done once or twice a year and take into consideration the following
- Check the flashing on the roof.
- Examine the draining systems to make sure they are working properly.
- Check the gutters and downspouts to make sure they are at the right angle and free of debris.
- Check the quality of the roofing material. Make sure to check for any missing or broken shingles. Also, take note of the overall quality of the shingles and if there is any heavy wear. (look for bald spots, loss granule, or severe curling)
- Check for any soft spots in the roof that may indicate rotting wood beneath.
- Examine for any holes, cracks, or open areas on or around your roof where animals may enter your home.
- Look for signs of rotting on the fascia and trim.
- Make sure to do an interior inspection of the roof. Access your roof through the attic or crawl space and do a visual inspection for leaks, water stains, and wet spots.
It is important to note that when you do a personal visual inspection of the roof it should be done from the safety of the ground, through a window, or on a sturdy ladder. Inspecting the roof is more about a quick visual inspection than dealing with an actual problem.
Final thoughts on autumn and roof maintenance
Giving your roof some love in the autumn months is more about preventative measures and making sure your roof is prepared for all Mother Nature sends. Please take the time to check the integrity of your roof, gutters, and surrounding property to protect your home from potential disasters during hurricane season and the unpredictable winter months.
Need help?
TruBlue Roofing and Remodeling is a locally owned and operated, full-service roofing company. Whatever your roofing needs, we are here to provide a straightforward, affordable, and pleasant experience. Give us a call at 919.589.7290 or visit our website trublueroofingnc.com
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