The cool, crisp fall days have arrived, and there’s plenty to love about the season. Cooler temperatures provide an excuse to pull out all those warm sweaters, enjoy comforting soups and start welcoming the coming holiday season.
But there’s also plenty of work to do around the home in the fall. Winter brings all sorts of harsh weather conditions that put our homes through the wringer, so it’s vital that homeowners take the time to get their houses prepared. Doing so will make for a far easier winter for both you and your home.
Here are some of the top jobs that should be completed around your home, and especially your roof, to prepare them for winter.
Why the Roof is so Important
All fall prep work on your home is essential, but it’s especially critical to ensure your roof is in good condition to handle the harsh winds and unrelenting precipitation that accompanies winter.
First, while roof repairs aren’t impossible come winter, they become more difficult and dangerous in the cold and icy weather, so it’s better to take care of any issues now.
Second, a few preventative measures go a long way on your roof, so identifying and solving potential issues now will pay off in spades later on.
While there are many homes repair jobs handy homeowners can do themselves when dealing with ladders and roofs, it’s often best to leave things to experienced professionals like those at Professional Roofers.
From the Outside
The exterior inspection of your roof is what most people think of when they think about roof maintenance. Check your roof for missing, lose or broken shingles, as well as for any signs of damage to the flashing.
From the Inside
Water damage can be sneaky, so it’s important to look for signs of water leaks on upper-level ceilings and walls, especially in the attic. Check for signs that your roof is sagging and call in a professional if you identify any issues. If water damage goes unnoticed for too long, it can lead to issues with insulation, drywall, electrical systems and drywall.
Gutters
As winter and spring can bring various cycles of freezing and thawing, it’s essential that all that melting water on your roof have something to go other than inside your home. Make sure gutters and downspouts are clean and clear of leaves and debris, and flush them with water to ensure a free flow.
Tree Maintenance
You should also try to identify potential opportunities for damage to occur so you can solve them before they happen. Take a look at the trees around your property and trim back those branches that are growing close to your home. Even if looks sturdy, all it takes is one storm with high wind speeds or immense snowfall to cause it to break off, potentially leading to damage to your house.
Our homes keep us protected from the elements, and the roof is the first line of defence. Make sure it has what it needs to do its job by spending a little time on roof maintenance this fall.