As the end of summer approaches, it's a good time to think about household maintenance tasks that should be completed during the fall. Winter usually comes with weather that's far from ideal, but fall will tend to have some nice, sunny days and plenty of warmth to complete important maintenance. Your roof is an important structure that you should keep an eye on, and here are some ways that you can maintain your roof during the fall.
Check Shingles
Shingles can age. Their color can start to fade. They can start to lose the asphalt granules that protect your home from water leaks. Additionally, strong storms can literally blow the shingles off your roof. That's why you should take the time to give your roof a look periodically. If you find that you have missing or damaged shingles, you'll want to repair them so that you can keep the inside of your home dry during the winter.
Remove Debris
Depending upon the topography and the vegetation around your home, you might wind up with some debris on your roof. A storm can break tree limbs and cause a branch or two to land on your roof. Depending upon the speed of the wind, these branches could hit your roof at a high velocity. Few things can damage your roof like a projectile, and tree limbs will definitely qualify. In addition to removing the debris, you'll also want to check your roof for any damage that these flying objects might have caused. This might require the replacement of a few shingles, or it might require a more involved repair that requires the help of a professional.
Check Sealant
No matter their composition, shingles will need a sealant to keep water from seeping under them. If you're already going to check your shingles for any damage, you might as well check the sealant. Over time, the sun and warmth can start to bake the seals on your roof and cause them to crack. If you start to notice the sealant starting to crack, you'll want to get it taken care of quickly so that it doesn't cause a water leak in your home.
Clean Your Gutters
Gutters can start to build up debris over time. This debris can keep rainwater from freely running into your downspouts. With nowhere to go, this water can start to back up and start soaking your soffits and fascia and begin damaging your roof. You'll want to check your gutters for any asphalt granules or leaves that have started to accumulate and remove them. This will allow any water to drain away from your home easily, which is the purpose of having gutters in the first place.
Trim Overhanging Branches
Not only should you remove any tree limbs that fall onto your roof, but you'll also want to cut back any limbs that might currently hang over it. First, they'll be less likely to fall onto your roof should a storm break them off. This will also cut down on the number of leaves that can accumulate on your roof during the fall. Leaves tend to keep moisture close to your roof, and it can start to make the wood waterlogged. This can lead to the need for some expensive repairs. Therefore, you'll want to cut back any overhanging branches.
If you have a problem with your roof that needs attention, be sure to contact the experts at Delta Roofing for help. We have the knowledge and experience you're looking for when it comes to repairing or replacing your roof. Give us a call today to get an estimate.