5 Things to Do to Prepare Your Roof for Autumn

A roof in disrepair can cause all kinds of damage from mold, mildew, and leaks, to structure ceiling, attic and insulation damage.  Autumn is a great time to “check and inspect” your roof, and make repairs and improvements. Here are five things to do to prepare your roof for fall:

1) Clear off debris from roof
Clearing debris from your roof should be done on a regular basis and not just done for Autumn. If you only do it once a year then this is a great time for you to do it. This will eliminate any chance of unnecessary pressure or weight on your roof.

Even small objects can hold moisture which will help create mold or rot. Once mold or rot begins then, it’s almost impossible to stop it from spreading to the rest of your roof.  

2) Remove branches
Keep an eye for things above your roof such as tree branches. Tree branches have the ability to catch snow on them and get really heavy before breaking off of the tree right onto your roof - creating a massive hole for you to fix. Do some due diligence and do a scan for any tree branches potentially hanging over your roof.

3)  Clean the gutters
Once your gutters are clogged with leaves and debris then water has nowhere to run to - other than pooling on your roof. This water can go deep into your shingles and start the rotting process from within. 

4) Inspect for damage
The sun’s heat can cause a roof to swell or shift. These movements are fine, but as the weather starts to sink lower and lower - your roof will also shift. This leaves a prime opportunity for your roof or shingles to leave areas of damage that need to be addressed.

5) Add attic ventilation
Get appropriate airflow in your attic through installing an attic fan, like this Smart Energy Saver Attic Roof Fan or this 14" Solar Attic Fan.

This will not only help your energy bills but also roof leaks. The warm air in the attic condensates as it is not able to move anywhere without ventilation. This causes damage, including mold or rot, on the roof supports.

Taking the time to inspect your roof may not be the most desirable thing, but staying warm and dry during the winter is. Make sure that your roof doesn't have any problems during the winter by taking care of your house. The five steps listed above will help mitigate the risk of roof problems.