As the hot summer days begin to cool off at long last, the kids are now beginning a new school year, and we are seeing signs that the cooler wetter weather is on the way. Fall is a special time of year and it is a favorite time of year for many residents in the Indianapolis area. Between now and the first freeze of winter, there are four things you can do to prepare your roof for bad weather. It is often overlooked until the truly chilly weather hits and we know winter is not far behind, but it is important to deal with fall roof preparations now so you are ready for whatever winter throws your way.
Clean Our Your Gutters
You should be doing this on a regular basis anyway to ensure they can do their job and keep water drained. However, as the leaves begin to fall it is important to clean the gutters out often, especially if you have a lot of trees around. When leaves and debris collect in your gutter system, eventually, it will create a clog in the downspouts. When this occurs, the water cannot drain away fast enough and can get backed up and pool on your roof. The added weight of the wet leaves and water could also pull your gutters loose and damage your eves and roofing shingles. Standing water is also more likely to seep into the shingle sand leak into your attic and into your home. To prevent these problems and unforeseen repair costs, keep your gutters clean and inspect them at least once a month while the leaves are still falling.
Clear Off Debris
It is also very important to remove leaves, pine needles, branches, moss and any other debris that has collected on your roof. Even small bits of debris will hold moisture and possibly rot or mold, which will break down your roofing material. Additionally, the added weight can weaken your supports and damage interior opponents of your roofing system. Make sure they are free and clear of debris so as to allow water to flow. If you are confident in your ability to do so you can clear off the debris yourself but it is highly advisable to call in roofing professionals to clean your roof for you. This is an important part of the fall roof preparations that you need to take time for now before the cold weather truly sets in. You should do this several times during the fall to keep your roof clean and free of debris and trash.
Check Insulation and Ventilation
The final part of fall roof preparations you need to check off your to-do list this season is to get into the attic and check the ventilation and insulation there. Without adequate airflow in your attic, temperatures can fluctuate greatly in the colder seasons, causing you to use more energy to keep your home comfortable. During the day, sunlight hits your roof and heats up the air in your attic which warms up the house but can also cause condensation to occur when the attic gets a lot warmer than the cooler outside air temperatures. This can lead to water and moisture and rot, mildew, and even water stains can occur if the condensation gets bad enough. And if your ventilation system is not functioning as it should all the hot air has nowhere else to go, it will seep into your home and make things too hot and stuffy.
Contact Stay Dry Roofing
To learn more about fall roof preparations give us a call today and let our team of experts take care of your roofing system for you. We are here to help you and are ready to assist with any inspection, repair, or maintenance work you may need ahead of the winter weather. So, call today to schedule an appointment or to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable staff members.