We cannot emphasize enough the importance of a roof. In addition to improving the aesthetic appeal of your property, your roof protects it from the elements and helps maintain a comfortable indoor environment all year round.
One of the most important functions of a roof is to protect the home from water damage. It cannot perform this function without a gutter system. Gutters are an indispensable part of your roofing system. Their primary function is to direct rainwater away from your home’s foundation and soil.
Before fall arrives, follow these tips to get your roof and gutters ready for the cooler months so they can withstand harsh weather.
Clean Your Roof and Gutters
Your roof and gutters are exposed to the elements all day, every day. Over time, they can collect dirt and debris such as twigs and leaves. A dirty roof is an eyesore. Algae, fungus, and moss can grow on a dirty roof, causing extensive roof damage. Dirty gutters can become clogged. As a result, rainwater spills over the side of the gutters, leading to serious issues such as foundation damage, basement flooding, mold, mildew growth, and even structural problems.
To protect your roof and gutters from premature deterioration, clean them thoroughly. Use a broom to remove debris and dust from your roof. Fill a sprayer attached to a garden hose with equal parts chlorine and water. Spray the mixture on your roof and let it sit on the surface for 15-20 minutes before rinsing your roof thoroughly with clean water. Choose a cool and overcast day for roof cleaning so the cleaning solution does not evaporate too fast.
To clean your gutters, start by removing any dirt and debris such as leaves, twigs, and remnants of pest nests by hand. Clean smaller debris with a plastic scoop. Once you get rid of debris, flush your gutters using a garden hose to remove any remaining minute debris. Set the nozzle to the spray function and carefully spray the hose down the length of your gutters.
If you have a clogged gutter, aim the nozzle of the hose directly at the top of the spout. The water flowing toward the gutter should break the clog. If it doesn’t, use a plumber’s snake. To prevent leaves and other debris from making their way into your gutters, install gutter guards.
Trim Back Overhanging Tree Branches
Overhanging tree branches can scrape against the rooftop, damaging your shingles. High winds can cause those branches to fall on your roof. Sharp branches can poke into your gutters and damage your gutter filter. Plus, some leaves from an overhanging branch can find their way into your gutters and downspouts and clog them. Wet leaves can cause your gutters to warp.
To prevent damage to your roof and gutters, trim back any overhanging branches. If an old tree near your home has a high possibility of falling during a storm, consider removing it after getting the necessary approvals from local or state authorities.
Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection and Maintenance
Have a roofing contractor near you inspect your roof and gutters before fall. Professional inspections and maintenance can improve roof reliability and performance. The main aim of professional roof maintenance is to address current problems and prevent potential issues. Regular maintenance can increase the lifespan of your roof.
Professionals know how a change of season can affect roofs and gutters. During roof inspections and maintenance, a professional checks different parts of your roof to see if they’re working properly.
They clean your roof and gutters and install gutter guards to keep debris from clogging your gutters. During maintenance, your contractor looks for roofing problems such as loose nails, bolts, flashing and shingles. If a professional notices that something is amiss, they fix the problem straightaway.
Check Your Roof and Gutter For Damage
Damaged roofs and gutters cannot withstand harsh weather and have a tendency to fall apart. It is important that you perform a thorough roof and gutter inspection before fall. When inspecting your roof, look for missing or damaged shingles.
Watch out for signs of flashing damage such as mold growth, warping, wrinkling, bubbling paint, and loose or missing flashing pieces. Check the area around your vent pipes, dormers and chimney. Inspect your attic and make sure it is properly insulated. Watch out for signs of water leakage through your roof.
Check your gutters for leaks and the downspouts for clogs. Make sure your downspouts are working properly. Watch out for one of the most common signs of gutter damage – pooling water in your yard or driveway. Make sure your gutters’ hangers and spikes are secure. Check the seams and end caps to see if they’re leaking. Make sure there is no slow-moving or standing water. Address any problems straight away.
Ensure Proper Insulation in Your Attic
A poorly insulated attic can cause a whole host of problems such as water damage and mold growth. Some signs your attic is poorly insulated include water leaks, pest problems and high energy bills. Do not leave gaps and spaces between and around the insulation. Do not place any insulation over your vents. Avoid stuffing the insulation too tightly into place or it may lessen its effectiveness. Do not forget to insulate your attic’s access panel, fold-back door, pull-down staircase, or hatch.
Roof Tile Custom Specialists Inc. is one of the most trusted tile roofing contractors in Antioch. Whether you need help installing a new roof or keeping an existing one in top shape all year round, we have got you covered. To learn more, call (925) 634-8700.