As fall approaches, we want to share some essential tips to help you care for your roof and gutter systems. Whether you prefer to DIY or hire roofing and gutter professionals, here's what you need to be on the lookout for this fall season.
Inspect and Clean Your Gutters
Falling leaves and debris can quickly clog your gutters, leading to water damage and leaks. Before the fall season fully sets in, make it a priority to inspect and clean your gutters. Remove all debris and ensure the downspouts are clear to allow water to flow freely. Regularly cleaning your gutters can prevent the accumulation of water that can damage your roof and home's foundation.
Cleaning your gutters is a relatively simple task. You just need to get rid of the leaves. But it can be difficult and dangerous to access your gutters, especially on a 2+ story house with a steep roof. In this kind of scenario, cleaning your gutters can mean you need to scale a tall ladder and clean out the debris in your gutters by hand. This is sketchy and tedious work because you have to keep moving the ladder and re-scaling it to reach each section of your gutter system.
If cleaning your gutters is a pain, you have a few options to consider. You could stick with a DIY option and buy a tool like an extended gutter rake. This is a cost effective solution because the tool is a one time cost (until it breaks), and if it reaches your gutters you'll avoid scaling ladders over and over again. You'll still need to scale a ladder some to make sure your rake is working, but you'll cut down on your workload and your risk.
If a gutter rake won't work for your home or you'd just rather not mess with it, then you can hire a gutter clean-out service each fall, or you can have gutter guards installed. Paying for an annual gutter clean-out is a good option for homeowners who want to have their gutters inspected regularly. But, in my opinion, I wouldn't pay every year for a gutter clean-out, when I could just buy gutter guards and be done with it. Gutter guards can help keep larger debris out while allowing rainwater to pass through, reducing the majority of your gutter maintenance.
Keep An Eye On Your Roof Valleys and Flat Areas
A roof valley is the area where two roof slopes meet, forming a V-shaped depression that channels water off the roof. This is a critical part of the roofing system, as it manages a high volume of water flow, especially during heavy rainfall or snowmelt. Roof valleys are typically lined with metal flashing or special valley underlayment to protect them from water infiltration. Proper installation and maintenance of roof valleys are essential to prevent leaks, as water naturally accumulates and runs through these areas more than other parts of the roof.
Regular maintenance of roof valleys in the fall and winter is crucial to ensure they function properly during colder months. Leaves, twigs, and other debris can accumulate in the valley, blocking the water flow and causing water to back up under the shingles, potentially leading to leaks and structural damage. Additionally, ice dams can form in roof valleys during freezing temperatures, further increasing the risk of water damage. By clearing debris and ensuring the flashing is in good condition before winter, homeowners can avoid costly repairs and prolong the life of their roof.
At Evergreen Roofing, we install special "ice & water" underlayment in all valleys and low pitched sections of a roof, per the International Roofing Code requirements. Even still, if you have wet leaves sitting on your roof, I would take steps to get them removed as soon as possible. We recommend that homeowners clean off their roof along with their gutters at the end of each fall season.
Trim Overhanging Branches
Overhanging tree branches can pose a significant risk to your roof, especially during fall when they are more likely to break under the weight of rain or early snow. Trim back any branches that are close to or touching your roof to minimize the risk of damage.
Regularly trimming these branches can also help reduce the amount of debris that falls onto your roof and gutters, making maintenance easier and reducing the risk of clogs. Once the majority of the leaves have fallen, you can inspect your trees for disease and decay, so you can deal with them before they damage your home.
Tree branch removal is certainly risky business, and should be most often left to a professional with the right kind of safety equipment. Trying to cut trees from the edge of your roof is likely to end badly.
Ensure Proper Attic Ventilation
Proper attic ventilation is crucial for maintaining the health of your roof. Good ventilation helps regulate temperature and moisture levels, preventing issues such as mold growth, wood rot, and ice dams in the winter.
Check your attic vents to make sure they are not blocked by insulation or debris. If you're unsure about the state of your attic ventilation, consult with a professional who can assess your current ventilation system and recommend improvements if needed.
Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection
While there are many maintenance tasks you can handle on your own, it's always a good idea to schedule a professional roof inspection at least once a year. A professional roofer can identify potential problems that you might miss and provide expert advice on maintaining your roof.
Having a professional inspection before the harsher winter weather arrives can give you peace of mind knowing that your roof is in good condition and ready to protect your home.
You can schedule an inspection with the Evergreen Construction & Roofing team here.