Fall Roof Maintenance Checklist: Protecting Your Home Before Winter

When the hot summer begins to fade, the temperatures start to drop, and the leaves are falling, there are two main objectives you should have. For one, enjoy the fall weather. That’s easy, right? On the other hand, there’s the more tedious task, but it’s one that is extremely important, and that’s to make sure you do what you can to properly protect your home before winter comes around. Along those lines, you’ll want to make sure you take care of the fall roof maintenance that will have your home prepared for temperatures to drop and the potential for snowfall. 

After all, preventative maintenance now can save you from the possibility of dealing with costly repairs to damage caused by snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. So, what kind of fall roof maintenance can you do to protect your home before winter? Here’s a helpful checklist to follow.

Clear Leaves & Debris Off Your Roof

As leaves fall throughout this time of year, they can accumulate on your roof. The same can be said for twigs and branches. And while that might seem harmless at face value, it’s not. This debris can trap moisture against your roof, which can create the right conditions for mold to grow. Left unchecked, the moisture can weaken your roof and shorten its lifespan. So, part of your fall roof maintenance should be taking the time to safely remove any debris from your roof with a leaf blower or broom. Trimming back any overhanging branches is a smart choice, too, as that can prevent future buildup of debris while also reducing the risk of limbs falling during a winter storm.

Check for Damaged or Missing Shingles 

You won’t want to go into the winter with any existing damage to your roof. That should be obvious, right? That’s why it’s important to check for any damaged or missing shingles within your system, as failing to notice and repair such problems can allow water to seep underneath and create leaks and structural problems that will only worsen under pressure from snow and ice. A ground-level inspection is a smart place to start, but calling in a team of roofing professionals to complete a more thorough inspection would be a great call. That way, you can replace any shingles you may need to replace right now rather than having to worry about repairing extensive water damage after the winter months pass.

Clean & Inspect Your Gutters

Your gutters play a major role in the health of your roof, as they move water away from your system as well as your home’s foundation. So, the last thing you’ll want heading into the winter is for your gutters to be full of leaves, sticks, dirt, and other debris, as that can back water up under your roofing system and cause leaks or even dangerous ice dams in the wintertime. Cleaning your gutters out is a must, and then you’ll want to flush your gutters with a hose to check for any blockages. Inspecting every aspect of your system—including its downspouts—is also a wise choice. And to further protect your home and the effectiveness of your gutter system, consider adding gutter guards that will keep debris out and only allow water and snowmelt in. 

Inspect Your Home’s Flashing & Seals

Your flashing—the thin metal installed around your chimney, skylights, vents, and roof intersections—seals gaps and prevents leaks. Given its purpose, you’ll want to make sure everything is intact heading into the winter. Because it’s exposed to the elements, it can be one of the most vulnerable areas for leaks. Make sure you check for loose sections, cracked sealant, or any rust that exists. You’ll also want to check if any areas of your flashing is lifting or if any gaps have formed in between that would allow water to easily enter and cause damage.

Look for Signs of Moisture & Leaks Inside Your Home

Another clear indicator that you’ll want to invest in some fall roof repairs is any signs of water infiltration from the inside of your home. Check your attic, for one, and make sure you don’t see any water stains, peeling paint, or damp insulation. Any water stains on your walls or ceilings throughout your home will tell you there’s a moisture problem somewhere as well, and you’d also be well served to address any musty odors, as that may indicate there’s some hidden mold growth somewhere in your home. Essentially, any sign that something is awry in terms of possible moisture damage should lead you to have your roof checked out this fall.

Call in a Team of Roofing Professionals for Fall Roof Maintenance

Of course, one of the best and safest moves you can make this fall is to have your trusted roofing company visit your home for an inspection. When you have a team of professionals make sure everything is in order, you’ll not only be better prepared for the winter weather—you’ll also be able to enter the winter months feeling more peace of mind that your roof—and by extension, your home—is well protected. For homeowners throughout the Southeast, there’s no doubt that Alpha Omega Construction Group, Inc. is the best team to call for your project. Our roofing knowledge and overall skill in addressing roofing problems will serve you well as you finish off your fall roof maintenance checklist and get ready to enjoy the holiday season.

Contact Us Today

If you want to partner with AOCG for a roof inspection, roof repairs, or any type of gutter project this fall before the winter months roll around, contact us today. We’d love to help make sure your home is properly prepared for what’s to come.