We talked with the Fort Collins roofing experts to get the lowdown on early fall roof maintenance tips. So, this time, you can stay better protected if you follow these 6 tips! Without further ado, let’s dive right into it.
1. Clear Your Gutters
The first roof maintenance tip is to clear the path along your gutters! Autumn leaves clog your gutters and cause all sorts of problems. As colorful and beautiful as they might look (when on the trees), they sure do a pretty messy work of your gutters when they block the drainage system.
If your gutters are clogged, they cannot carry water off the roof properly. This causes water to back up along the gutters and freeze up during those chilly Colorado nights. That, friends, is a recipe for ice dams. Ask anyone about roof maintenance in Fort Collins and they will tell you that ice dams become a serious pain in the backside come colder nights.
And you can avoid that by just ensuring a properly flowing gutter system with no leaves in it.
So, always clean your gutters and downspouts. If you don’t, the ice dams will hang around the roofline, causing water to pool and seep under the shingles. This, in turn, causes water damage, leaks, and of course, a hefty repair bill.
For proper residential roof maintenance, we also recommend installing gutter guards that help let the water in but the debris like leaves out.
2. Trim Those Trees
Trees offer shade, beauty, even a home for those squirrels. But they can be a major cause for concern when branches turn into roof wreckers. That’s why next on our list of fall roof maintenance tips is trimming those trees.
These overhanging branches get weighed down by heavy snow and ice over time. The point comes when they snap under the pressure and fall onto your roof (or get carried to your roof). A tree branch crashing through shingles is not a good surprise.
Before the first snowfall, look at all the trees and see which ones can use a thorough trimming. Just like how you’d go to a Fort Collins roof inspection specialist for a leak issue, you might want to go for a professional arborist here, especially if you’re not comfortable wielding a chainsaw yourself.
3. Inspect Your Shingles
Shingles are heavily prone to damage, and fall is the perfect time to give them a thorough inspection. The weather is mild, and there are a few months before the snow starts piling up. So, just like how you’d get a checkup before flu season, grab a ladder during the fall and take a look at all shingles on your roof.
Roof maintenance in Fort Collins is more about regular prevention than long-term cures. And this is super important to get in the habit of. Check if any shingles are missing, cracked, or curled. Any damage can lead to leaks and even a small crack can let water in. And once water gets inside, it’s game over. Mold, rot, bad insulation, structural weakening, and so on – it opens a can of worms that will get very expensive, very fast.
4. Check for Weak Flashing and Seals
Another thing that should be a part of your roof maintenance checklist is making sure your home won’t have water sneaking inside through any cracks. The flashing is like the caulk that seals the gaps around your roof’s vulnerable stops, such as where multiple surfaces meet – chimneys, vents, skylights, etc.
Over time, this caulk cracks and peels off, meaning the roof is much more prone to water leaks now.
This is also why any type of professional roof repair in Fort Collins CO takes a closer look at all the flashing around your home. Mostly, checking the flashing is as easy as grabbing a flashlight and looking closely. If you find any gaps, cracks, or even some signs of wear and tear, it’s time for a repair.
In minor cases, it’s enough to just apply some sealant and be done with it. But in more serious cases, you might need to replace the flashing altogether.
5. Ensure Proper Attic Airflow & Ventilation
Attics, being out of sight, are often out of mind. They do play a pivotal role in maintaining roof health, however. All reputable roofing contractors in Fort Collins CO should check out the attic during roof leak inspections.
The point is that your roof needs to breathe, and good ventilation allows for warm and moist air to escape. This, in turn, keeps you protected against condensation and ice dam formation.
It’s easy to ensure good ventilation and insulation. Just check for any signs of moisture building up, mold, or mildew. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That’s why you should leave no stone unturned. No matter how insignificant or unnecessary checking your attic’s corners might feel, it’s actually pretty important you do this step.
6. Go for Peace of Mind
If you don’t want to go through all this hassle, or if you fear you might not be able to do a comprehensive job, then it’s time to call in a professional. A good roofing contractor in Fort Collins, CO will offer you the much-needed peace of mind. Such a professional is highly recommended for larger homes or homes that have not been prepared for the fall before.
Get a proper Fort Collins roof inspection done by professionals such as Severe Weather Roofing for total peace of mind. We’ll also throw in some roof cleaning tips to keep your property protected from all sorts of damage down the line!
Needless to say, it’s very important that you get a thorough job done here, and only professionals are recommended for this sort of work. A qualified roofer from Severe Weather Roofing will cover everything from shingles and flashing to gutters and attic ventilation – making sure your home is protected from winter damage.
