How to Prepare Your Roof for Fall (Yourself!)

Temps are starting to cool off here in the Treasure Valley, and that means fall is (finally) on it’s way! It’s going to get cold, and soon.

Getting your roof ready for the chillier fall and winter months isn’t exactly hard…but it does take a bit of thinking ahead. Like any other part of your house, the roof requires regular inspection and maintenance you might not even think of. If you want your roof to get through the cold snowy winter months unharmed, and keep your house as toasty as possible, then be sure to read these five ways to help prepare your roof for fall and winter.

And of course…if you’re going up on your roof, be careful!

1. Clean off your roof

Throughout the summer, your roof is still working hard. It accumulates dirt, dust, leaves, and your kid’s toys, among other things. And that’s not even mentioning seeds, grass, twigs, leaves, small tree branches…you get the idea. All those things can potentially start collecting moisture over the course of the season, putting your roof at higher risk of mold and rot.

To clean off any debris, simply use a ladder to get on top of your roof. Use a broom or leaf blower to clear off your shingles.

2. Clean out your gutters

One of the biggest culprits for gathering debris is your gutters. Gutters can clog with too much-accumulated junk, meaning water can’t safely drain. Not getting your gutters cleared out before the fall and winter season could mean clogs in your downspouts, which means eventually rainwater will overflow onto your roof. That rainwater overflow gets under shingles and causes a lot of moisture damage. Extra weight from wet leaves can bend gutters, meaning they don’t drain water as efficiently (and looks terrible from the street).

Taking a little extra time to clean your gutters means less damage and trouble during the winter weather.

You can clean out your own gutters by using a spatula to scoop out leaves and scrape off any grime. You can also clear out your clogged downspout by using a plumber’s snake.

Don’t have a plumber’s snake, or just don’t feel like crawling around on your roof yourself? Call an expert in gutter cleaning and let them do the work for you!

3. Check for Damage

Your roof covers your entire house, so the last thing you need is a damaged roof. The potential for serious damage to your home if your roof isn’t properly maintained is real. You can usually catch many roofing issues early – here are the most common problems found in old roofs.

4. Inspect your attic

Proper attic ventilation is super important for keeping your roof in its best condition. A poorly ventilated attic can shorten the life of your roof! Make sure to inspect your attic insulation. Replace any missing or old insulation or add more insulation if necessary.

5. Get rid of any overhanging tree branches

Overhanging branches definitely need to be removed, especially if your home is surrounded by trees. During the fall, the leaves are going to fall directly onto your roof and into your gutters, both of which can cause problems. These branches can also get knocked off the tree during a storm and can damage your roof when they fall. Make sure to remove all overhanging branches with a chainsaw.

6. Have a Professional Inspection

The BEST thing you can do to make sure your roof is ready for fall? Have a professional come inspect your roof to let you know if there are any damages you may not be seeing. And damages like cracked, frayed, curled or missing shingles with be easy for a roofer to spot. A professional will have the right tools and training to make an assessment of your roof on the spot for you.

If you need help with any of these issues, or if your roof (or gutters) needs to be replaced before the winter months, our team here at Idaho Roofing Contractors is ready to help! Call us at 208-921-7821 or fill out our online form for a FREE roof inspection.