The Colorado fall season is a great time to give your roof some maintenance. Your roof is a fundamental part of your home, and it’s important that you take care of it so that it stands strong for years to come. If you want your roof to last through the Colorado winter, make fall roof maintenance an annual priority.
1. Clear Out Gutters
Those leaves have to go somewhere! When they’re not covering your yard and walkways, they’re landing on your roof and gutters.
Remove leaves and debris from your gutters before they clog up with snow and ice, which could damage them and lead to leaks. If the gutters get filled with ice they can become weak because they aren’t able to hold the weight, which can cause them to tear away from your house.
When the gutters tear away the repair bill that will come with it won’t be pretty. Get rid of ice buildup at the first sign of formation to keep the gutters clean, strong and working.
Check for damage to the gutter system (such as holes) and make sure all flashing is intact. Cleaning off leaves and debris from these areas can help prevent further damage during heavy snows or flooding rains next year when spring comes around.
Make sure gutters are secured, clear of debris, and working properly so that water moves away from the house instead of causing leaks inside.
2. Trim Trees
As the leaves begin to fall around your home, you will see branches on your trees that are getting a little too close to your home. Trim those back now so they do not danger your roofing later. If you can do this early on in the fall, you can also minimize the leaves that clog your guttering system.
It is important to inspect the outside of your home and take note of any tree branches that are too close. Tree branches that come too close to your roof offer an easy way in for critters looking to build a cozy, destructive nest in your home.
Trimming back branches will not only make it harder for pests to take up residency in your roof, but it will also help keep your gutters clear of debris and potential damage from branches breaking or swaying in the wind during winter storms.
3. Inspect Shingles and Flashing for Signs of Damage
Even small leaks in your roof can cause big problems. To keep your home protected (and save money down the road), have a trusted roofing contractor inspect and repair any signs of water damage around your home as soon as possible. Leaving water damage to sit and grow often leads to bigger, costlier problems down the road.
If you notice any broken or missing shingles, they should also be replaced immediately. In time, shingles often develop bald spots which reduces their ability to protect your home. They may also warp, curl up, break, or come loose. If you have shingles that are damaged or missing, have them replaced long before winter.
The same is true if there are any loose or damaged flashing. Flashing helps seal the spaces between the joints of the roof which is important for keeping water out. Over time, roof flashing can develop small holes or can become corroded in different spots. Also, check to make sure that the flashing is not pulling away from the roof or leaving gaps where water could seep through.
4. Look for Signs of Pests
Termites, rats, squirrels, and other pests can cause serious damage to your roof. As you’re inspecting your property, keep an eye out for signs of pests. Pests can cause damage to your roof and home by burrowing in and leaving destruction in their wake.
Look for any places where they might be able to enter your home through vents or other openings. While it may seem like a small problem now, pests can be dangerous if not dealt with immediately. Not only do they cause damage on their own, but they can also bring other unwanted guests with them—such as bedbugs!
5. Have Your Roof Winterized Before the Snow Starts
The snow starts falling in early November in Colorado, which means there’s no time to waste in preparing for the harsh weather. It’s important to winterize your roof before winter the temperatures drop, the snow piles up, and the damage is harder to repair. By having your roof winterized by a professional, you can be sure that it will be safe from all of the elements over the next few months.
Contact Your Local Trusted Roofing Contractor
A little bit of fall roof maintenance can go a long way. If you keep your roof in good condition all year round, winter will be much easier on it!
Fall is the perfect time to get a video roof inspection from your trusted roofing contractor. Red Rock Roofing offers free comprehensive video inspections to help you identify problems before they become major issues.
Red Rock Roofing is a completely local roofing company you can trust – we have 150+ 5-star Google reviews and have worked hard to earn our reputation. Contact us today and rest easy knowing you and your home are ready for the next Colorado winter.
