Believe it or not, we’re at the tail-end of another summer, and while temperatures are still high, they won’t stay that way for long. It’s time to start preparing for the months ahead. There are a lot of ways you can get your home ready for fall—check for air leaks, bring in any outside furniture, get your HVAC system inspected so you’re not caught unawares some frigid night. And, of course, tending to your roof and gutters.
Look at Your Roof
First, start by getting a close look at your roof. Some damage can be seen from the ground, but the best way to know for sure is to get on your roof and take a closer look. That said, Dale’s Roofing advises against climbing on your roof unless you’re a seasoned professional. Not only is it dangerous, but you could unknowingly do more damage to your roof. If you’re not a roofing expert, there’s also a chance you might miss warning signs that are less obvious but no less problematic. For this reason, we recommend scheduling a free inspection with Dale’s Roofing. Not only are we used to climbing on roofs, we can do it safely while turning an experienced eye to areas of concern.
Look for Visible Damage
Minor damage can become major really fast. If you notice loose or missing shingles, stains or obvious rot, you’ll want to make sure all problem areas are addressed. Better to spend a little now than a lot after the first major snowfall turns a small repair into a large one. Wrinkled or missing caulking and loose or missing flashings need to be replaced as well to ensure that your roof continues to perform as it should throughout the winter.
Check Your Gutters
Like most necessities involving your home, your gutters are probably something you don’t give too much consideration, just expect to work as they should. Each year, they are tasked with diverting thousands of gallons of water from your roof, but water isn’t the only thing that falls inside. Twigs, leaves, animal debris, and other solid objects can find themselves lodged in your gutter over the course of a few months. If they get too clogged, the gutters will stop working properly, putting your home at risk for interior flooding and a damaged exterior. Cleaning your gutters should be at the top of your to-do list going into the autumn and winter months.
Check for Overhanging Branches
Snow is heavy, as is ice, and we never know how much of either we’re going to get in the Ozarks. It could be a mild winter, or we could get another history-making ice storm. Check the trees on your property—specifically, the overhanging branches that might cause damage should they become overwhelmed with snow or ice and come crashing down on your roof. Make sure any problem branches are properly trimmed before winter weather hits.
Check Your Attic
Proper attic ventilation is a must, otherwise, you run the risk of mildew, mold, and other concerns. Your attic is also a good place to check for roof damage—if there are loose or missing nails or sunlight streaking inside.
Check for Inside Damage
Sometimes, it’s the damage you see on the inside rather than the outside that alerts you to potential problems. A water stain on the ceiling could indicate a leak somewhere on your roof. Keep in mind that water travels, so where you see the stain doesn’t necessarily reflect the leak’s location.
If this sounds overwhelming, consider becoming a member of the Dale’s Roofing Stay DRI Maintenance Club. Not only will we take care of cleaning your gutters, we will provide a thorough inspection of your roof and attic, and address any troublesome caulking or flashing. And if we find areas that need more extensive attention, repairs and replacements are discounted for club members.
Ready to get your home prepped for cooler months? Call Dale’s Roofing to schedule your free inspection.
