Fall is a great time to take care of your home’s exterior, especially your roof. There are two types of roof maintenance – that which you can, and should, be doing and that which a roofing contractor should take care of. We have three tasks that need at least annual attention, especially if you want your roof to look great and last as long as it should.
Task 1 – Clean Your Gutters
We know that this is not something you want to do. It’s a horrible job. However, clean gutters protect your home. Clogged gutters contribute to many problems in homes including water in the basement or crawlspace, damaged fascia, roof rot and ice dams in winter. You can avoid this by cleaning your gutters a few times a year. If you don’t want to clean them, consider gutter covers. If you have a roofing contractor, talk to them about your options.
Task 2 – Remove Debris from Your Roof
Not all leaves make it to the gutters. Leaves, sticks and other debris on your roof leads to roof rot. And even that which doesn’t damage the shingles, it can lead to staining and shingle discoloration. When you notice debris on your roof, be sure to remove it carefully and promptly. You can use a blower but do not blow up against the shingles as that can lead to cracking or other damage that will require a call to your roofing contractor. Also, be sure to walk on the roof carefully. Avoid scraping or sweeping the shingles as that can remove granules too.
Task 3 – Trim Trees and Shrubs
This is maintenance that you should do anytime you notice branches touching your home. Whether it’s shrubbery against your siding or tree branches overhanging or touching your roof, it’s best to trim them back. Not only can tree branches scrape your shingles, but branches that overhang your roof could fall onto it during a strong storm. We often see tree branches fall on roofs after ice and snow storms.
Some Roof Maintenance Requires a Roofing Contractor
If, while you are taking care of roof maintenance, you notice loose shingles, missing shingles or anything else you think might not be right on your roof, call your roofing contractor. They can inspect and repair any damage before winter. If you don’t have a roofing contractor, call Peak Roofing Contractors. We offer free estimates and can handle your roof repair and roof maintenance needs. Reach us at (703) 468-4769 or fill out our contact form for your appointment.
