Fall Roofing Tips
As the fall and winter seasons arrive, severe weather is more common. Between heavy rain, wind, hail, and snow, your roof will take a hit if you’re not prepared. At Rock Solid Exteriors we strive to make sure our clients are equipped with high-quality and long-term protection in all seasons. Before winter storms hit, it’s important to make sure you’re prepared, and your roof can handle whatever Mother Nature decides to throw your way. In this blog, we’ll outline the simple ways that you can prepare your roof for this winter’s storms.
- Check for leaks, check flashing, and vents.
The best way to tell if you have roof leak is if you see water spots on your ceiling and walls. The most common leak-prone areas are where water can make its way into your home. If you find leaks, it’s important to prioritize fixing them. Even small leaks can lead to bigger problems if they are left unattended. Unless you want mold or rotted insulation in your home, it’s important to fix leaks fast. In addition to checking for and fixing leaks, it’s important to look for missing, cracked, curled, or frayed shingles, loose vents, and poorly sealed or damaged flashing around vent stacks, chimneys, and skylights.
- Clean the gutters and downspouts.
When the winter weather hits, it is brought in by heavy winds. The first big winds, and usually accompanying rains, often rustle debris and leaves from trees onto your roof and inside your gutters. Nothing good comes from clogged gutters and downspouts, so make sure they’re clear for the future rains and snow storms. When tree debris and leaves clog your gutters, it eventually creates a clog in the downspout. Rain water will overflow the gutters, which damages both your roof and siding. It’s also possible for the added weight of the wet leaves and water to pull your gutters loose or collapse. Throughout the fall, make sure to keep your gutters relatively clear and then once winter is close, do a more thorough cleaning.
- Clear debris.
In general, it’s important that the surface of your roof is free of leaves, pine needles, and other debris. Even small bits that seem insignificant hold moisture that can rot or mold, damaging your roofing material. If you’re confident on your roof, you can sweep or blow off the debris, paying special attention to valleys, where the most moisture can collect. However, if you’re not seasoned at climbing on top of roofs, call a roofing contractor.
- Check your roof’s insulation.
Make sure your home’s insulation is not wet or damaged. If it is, this could lead to a dramatic increase in your heating bill in the winter months. In addition, it leads to mold and mildew inside your home. To learn more about roof replacement, including insulation contact Rock Solid Exteriors today. Make sure you’re aware of where water is infiltrating your roof to damage the insulation.
- Inspect the edge of your roof.
The edge of your roof is its first line of defense against severe weather. If the edge is damaged, it becomes more vulnerable. You can inspect the edge of your roof with binoculars from the ground, or use a ladder. It is recommended that you inspect from both angles as to not miss anything. Some things to look for are:
- Loose fasteners
- Standing water
- Faded paint
- Loose metal
Rock Solid Exteriors has been providing roof replacement, and roofing solutions for over 25 years. We strive to give our clients the highest-quality roofs, as well as the peace of mind that they are protected with a strong and secure roof. Get in contact with us today to learn more about our roof replacements in Michigan.
