How to Prepare Your Roof for Fall

It’s never a good idea to wait for the temperatures to drop and the snow to fly in Alpha, NJ before you prepare your roof for fall and winter. You rely on the integrity of your roof to keep your home comfortable and safe all year. Because of this, there are some maintenance tasks that you should perform towards the end of summer.

Inspecting for Debris

It’s common for nearby trees to drop branches and leaves onto your roof and in your gutters when the wind picks up. You should periodically give your roof a visual inspection from the ground to see if there is any debris on your roof. If there are large sticks, leaves, or even toys on your roof, they should be removed. If they are easily accessible from the gutter level and you’re comfortable climbing up your ladder, you may be able to accomplish this task yourself. For multistoried homes and to ensure your safety, you can also call on our professionals for assistance.

You should also check your gutters before the fall season. When the leaves start to fall off the trees, they often accumulate in your gutters and downspouts. This can prevent water from properly flowing through this system, which is designed to move water away from your home. You may want to check your gutters partway through fall as well, especially if you suspect that a lot of leaves have fallen into this area.

If you find it daunting to check and clean your gutters frequently, consider investing in a gutter guard. This guard is relatively affordable and is installed right over the top of your gutters. It prevents debris from entering your gutters.

Look for Damage

From ground level, walk around your home and look for any visible signs of damage that may have occurred recently. You should always do this after inclement weather has passed through Alpha. Look for missing shingles that look like they’re peeling up, damage around your chimney, etc. You can also look for water spots or stains on the surface of your roof that indicate pooling. Moss or algae growth is another sign that you have a moisture problem. You should never have any areas of your roof that are sagging or look uneven. Even if you have an older home that has experienced settling, the purpose of your roof is to properly move moisture off the roof and away from your home.

If you spot any issues, contact our team to schedule repairs as soon as possible. Putting off service can make your home susceptible to roof problems like wood rot and mold growth. What starts as a simple repair job can quickly become an entire roof replacement if you neglect to schedule professional service.

Consider Upgrading Your Insulation

Many homes in Alpha lack adequate insulation just below the roof, in the space known as the attic. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates you can save 15% on utility bills by investing in attic insulation. If you don’t have proper insulation and fall arrives, you could be looking at high energy bills throughout the chilly weather. There are several types of insulation that you can use in your attic to eliminate drafts. This includes sheets of insulation batting and spray foam insulation. A professional can inspect your home to see if you would benefit from additional insulation. Not only will this protect your roof, but it can also eliminate any drafts or hot or cold spots you experience in your Alpha home when it gets colder outside in the fall.

Checking for Leaks

While your roof may look structurally sound from ground level, minor issues may allow moisture to enter your home. There might not be enough moisture coming through to cause substantial water spots on your ceiling, but it doesn’t take much water for mold to grow. Inspect inside your attic for any signs of roof damage. You should do this during the daytime when it’s easy to see bright spots of light shining through holes and gaps. These areas should be sealed immediately to prevent more precipitation from being able to get inside. Repairs may be needed inside your attic, but work may also need to be done on the exterior of your roof to rectify the problem.

Trimming Back Tree Branches

In the fall, look around your home to see if any trees have grown to the point where their branches overhang your roof. While they may not currently be touching your roof, they pose the risk of breaking off the tree and falling onto your home when the fall and winter weather start to pick up. Branches and other landscaping can also cause problems with your roof and home, including allowing pests to have access to your home. We recommend maintaining branches and landscaping each year before fall.

Inspect and Maintain Seals

Flashing or sealing materials are used around areas on your roof, like skylights and chimneys. This material tends to wear out much faster than your roof itself. You may need to replace this material every so often, especially if the area has recently experienced inclement weather. This maintenance task will prevent water from seeping into gaps and help keep your home comfortable all year.

Professional Repairs

Having our roofers come to your Alpha home each year to inspect your roof before fall is a good idea. This allows us to spot issues before they cause major problems with your roof and home. Repairs may be as simple as nailing down loose shingles or replacing broken flashing. This work will help protect your home throughout the cold season and beyond.

Roof Replacement

The great thing about yearly roof maintenance is that it allows us to assess your roof’s current condition. It’s an expensive investment to replace your roof, so it’s a good idea to know ahead of time that your roof is nearing the end of its useful life. While repairs and maintenance can go a long way toward extending the life of your roof, there will come a time when the entire roof needs to be replaced. This is typically due to extensive damage or the degradation of your shingle material. If installed correctly, your average roof in Alpha usually lasts 25 to 30 years. Routine maintenance can help lengthen that timeline as well.

If you want to learn more about routine maintenance for your Alpha roof before fall arrives, contact us and speak to one of our roofers. With over 50 years of service, Warren Thompson & Son Roofing & Siding is the local go-to roofing company in the Alpha area. We use high-quality roofing material and offer fair pricing. Online specials help lower the cost and financing on approved credit for roof installations. In addition to roof inspections and roofing repairs, we also install new roofs, replace siding and gutters, handle emergency storm repairs, and much more. Contact us at Warren Thompson & Son Roofing & Siding today to schedule an appointment.