Roof Checklist For Fall-Proofing Your Home

Golden leaves falling everywhere, shorter daylights, and colder breezes. Yep, fall is right around the corner. Is your roof ready for the fall?

Preparing for the upcoming months will help you enjoy the season more without worrying about roofing problems. Plus, you can save on costly repairs from heavy rains and snow once they arrive.

Here are five things that need checking to have your roof ready.

1. Clean Roof of Any Debris

The first order of business is clearing your roof of any debris. Leaves, twigs, seeds, and even droppings, are some common culprits that take residence on your roof. Left unchecked, these nasties could collect moisture that could lead to mold and algae growth.

Take on the task by climbing up on the roof with a ladder and pushing the debris out using an air blower. If you don’t have one handy, a trusty broom can also do the trick. Make sure nothing is left before going down.

2. Unclog Gutters

Next up are the gutters. Leaves love to hang around on gutters; too much accumulation could clog the downspouts when rain arrives. This will cause an overflow of rainwater, leading to water seeping into the cracks and eventually damaging parts of your home.

When declogging your gutters, leave no spot unchecked. Leaves and small branches tend to stick themselves on the corners, so give them a go. Take time to clean the downspouts as well while you’re at it.

3. Trim Branches Hanging Over the Roof

Falling leaves are a signature event of the fall season. And you don’t want to waste your time cleaning the roof and gutters just to have them filled with leaves a few days after, right? Plus, overextended branches might break due to strong winds and crash on your roof, damaging it permanently.

A ladder and a good pair of shears will be your best friends for this task. Climb the ladder and trim those long branches away after securing your footing. If you’re not confident in doing the task, you could look for a local tree cutter in your area to get it done.

4. Check Air Flow in the Attic

Moving on to the inside of your home, it’s time to inspect the attic properly. Proper attic ventilation is a sign of a healthy roof. There might be a problem if it’s too hot or cold in the attic.

Check the attic insulation for any damage, crumbling, or bald spots. Patch them up with new insulation immediately to prevent further problems.

5. Consult a Professional Roofing Contractor

While you can do some of these steps yourself or with help from friends and family, having a professional check your roof will still be a good option. They know roofs like the back of their hands and have the right set of tools and materials to get your roof in perfect shape.

Before booking a consultation, we recommend asking a few contractors to get an estimate. Also, ask what packages they offer and how fast they can deliver. This will help you decide which roofer to go with, saving you time, money, and frustration.

Take a While and Smell the Breeze

The fall is a great season to chill and enjoy a hot cup of pumpkin spice latte; not a time to stress out over your roof. Give yourself a few days to inspect and prepare your roof, and you can have a stress-free season.

Need help funding a roof renovation or repair? IjaraCDC offers some cash-out refinancing options that you can use for that project. Contact us today to learn more.