Back to Cool: How to Prepare Your Roof for Fall
The dog days of summer are officially here, which means fall is right around the corner. Fortunately, now is the best possible time to start getting your home ready for the chillier seasons. From fighting off falling leaves to insulating your attic, are a few ways to prep your roof for fall and the colder months.
Clean your gutter system
Your gutters ought to be cleaned at least twice a year, specifically during the spring and the fall. This helps to keep dead leaves and debris out of your gutters so you don’t have to worry about water building up on your roof. Water build-up can cause a whole slew of problems from water damage to moldy insulation, and during the winter months, that water damage can put your roof at risk for ice dams. That said, keep your gutters clean and you’re in the clear.
Sweep off your roof
A great way to keep debris and falling leaves from getting into your gutter system in the first place is to sweep it off your roof. While it’s good to have your roof professionally cleaned once a year, or once every two years if it’s been recently installed by roofing contractors, it’s a good idea to sweep debris off your roof more frequently. This is because piles of soggy leaves, when left alone for long periods, can trap moisture on your roof and start to damage your attic insulation.
Insulate your attic
Speaking of attic insulation, summer is one of the best times to tell whether you need an insulation update before colder weather arrives. If you’ve noticed throughout the season that your upstairs is significantly cooler than your downstairs, it’s most likely because of stack effect.
Stack effect is when there’s a difference in the air density outside than there is inside. When there are gaps in your attic insulation, your air conditioning will leak out of these cracks to alleviate the difference in air density. The result is a high electric bill and a lot of discomfort. Your bill might be even higher during the winter months if you have gas heating.
If you notice stack effect happening during the summer months, contact your local roofing contractors about upgrading your attic insulation. Your insulation is a major part of your roofing system and directly impacts how effective it is when it comes to protecting your home from the elements.
Check for roofing damage
Just like your gutter systems, your roof ought to be inspected at least twice a year. Again, this is best done during the spring and fall before the more extreme seasons arrive. Late summer and early fall are ideal for checking your roof for any potential damage that may have occurred between late winter and summer.
If you’re not sure whether your roof needs to be replaced before winter arrives, some of the most common signs a replacement is needed include:
- Age: Asphalt shingles have a lifespan of 20 to 50 years depending on the climate in which they’re installed. If it’s been over 20 years since you’ve had a new roof and your shingles are beginning to look a little worse for wear, now may be the best time to consider a roof replacement. If you’re not sure, talk to your local roofing contractors for a professional opinion.
- Drooping: If you walk outside and take a look at your house, your roof should never be sagging or drooping in certain places. Drooping is not only a sign of water damage but also a sign of roof rot. A drooping roof needs a roof replacement immediately.
- Moss growth: Another sign that you have moisture trapped in your roof that could be causing water damage is that you have moss growth on your shingles. In some cases, moss can be removed from your roof. But if your roof has suffered from significant water damage, a replacement may be the safest option for you and your family.
Looking for roofing contractors and price quotes to replace your roof? We’ve got you covered. Style Roofing offers professional roof replacement services and attic insulation to ensure your home is reading for the cooler months. For more information about our roof replacement services, contact Style Roofing today.
