Along with the crisp weather and changing leaves of fall comes a long list of outdoor chores to finish before temperatures plummet and snow covers the ground. It’s important to take care of your home through all kinds of weather changes, and the roof is one of your home’s most important parts, so keeping it well-maintained and making necessary repairs immediately is vital to the longevity of your house.
Here at Today’s Homeowner, we’re dedicated to giving our readers the best tips and tricks for home repairs, maintenance, DIY projects, and all kinds of home tasks. With years of experience under our tool belt, we’re here to help you learn more about home ownership and the chores that come with it. If you’re looking to better maintain your roof for the fall season, read on to see all the ways you can make sure your roof stays in shape and withstands the cold weather.
1. Clear the Roof
It’s important to keep your roof clean from all kinds of debris. Never let wet branches and leaves stay on your roof for long. If you see this debris, remove it immediately. Leaving branches and leaves causes moisture damage to your roof, so inspect your house after storms and heavy rainfall.
Look for pooled water and inspect shingles and flashing around vents and chimneys for concealed damage. Monitor these spots for worsening conditions throughout fall and winter.
Never climb a wet roof without the right safety gear. Ladders and roofs are often slippery when wet and could be extremely dangerous. If you feel uncertain about climbing on your roof, consider having a professional handle this instead. They have the proper training and equipment to safely access and clear your roof.
2. Check Your Shingles
After clearing debris from your roof, inspect your shingles’ condition. Make sure there are no loose or missing shingles. If you cannot safely climb a ladder, you can use binoculars to get a bird’s eye view.
If shingles or flashing are damaged, call a roofing professional to repair them before winter hits. If you call a professional, verify that the roofers are licensed, bonded, and insured. Read reviews and find a reputable company that does quality work and provides a warranty.
DIY repairs may seem cheaper, but they could cost you more long-term if done incorrectly. Improper repairs may void warranties or lead to bigger issues.
3. Clean the Gutters
Clogged gutters are a major problem, leading to leaks, foundation damage, and repairs costing you thousands of dollars. However, cleaning your gutters is a simple fix that keeps water flowing off the roof and away from your home. While cleaning and inspecting your gutters, make sure they slope to drain properly.
Inspect gutters in the fall for damage. Look for leaks indicating the need for professional repairs. However, just cleaning your gutters is an easy DIY job and can save you between $125 and $175. Use a ladder and wear gloves to remove debris. Use a hose to flush your gutters, making sure all the remaining debris flushes through the downspouts.
However, only clean your gutters in dry weather. If your roof is too tall, hire a professional.
4. Prepare for Disasters
In addition to roof and gutter maintenance, prepare for winter storms. Have a professional inspect your roof before winter. A roofing pro may spot issues you can’t.
Keep tarps handy to temporarily cover roof damage until you can repair storm damage. Tarps can help prevent costly leaks. If you’re not sure how to repair your roof after a storm, hire a professional or research proper ways to make small repairs.
Just in case, save emergency numbers for your insurer and roofer. Take quick action if storm damage occurs to mitigate leaks. (When storms pass, these professionals will book up fast.) As an added precaution, gather plastic sheeting, plywood, cement, nails, tools, and gloves before a storm hits. Store them together for easy access.
5. Understand Your Roof’s Age and Condition
As roofs age and weather, they need repairs. Lifespans for asphalt shingles range from 15 to 30 years, depending on the material quality, local weather conditions, local environment, and maintenance. If you’re unsure when to replace your roof, there are plenty of signs to let you know. Look for:
- Curled, cracked, brittle, and missing shingles
- Leaks after storms
- Bald spots
If you make multiple small repairs without resolution, that’s also a signal. At some point, replacement provides more value than continual repairs, so if your roof is in rough shape, be ready to replace the entire thing if need be.
6. Know When to Call a Professional
Although performing your roof repairs can be cost-effective, it’s not always the right move. Some roof issues that require professional expertise are:
Only pros have tools to detect hidden sources.
Pros know how to integrate flashing with your roofing.
Contractors can assess and fix framing issues.
Roofers have the skills to remove and install correctly.
It can also be worth hiring someone to professionally inspect your roof. If you’re debating a major replacement, getting a second opinion from a professional can help you decide.
So, is regular roof maintenance worth it?
Damage prevention through roof and gutter cleaning can save you a lot of money on future repairs. Just a little bit of time invested in common roof repairs now can help avoid expensive damage and mold risks later.
Staying on top of maintenance and preparing for fall/winter weather helps prevent most roof damage. However, call a professional if roof DIY is beyond your comfort zone or skill set.
Your roof protects your biggest investment — your home. Take care of it so it can protect you and your family.
FAQs About Roof Maintenance
How often should I clean gutters?
Clean your gutters at least twice a year. Clean them more if you have a home with overhanging trees.
Can I walk on my roof to inspect it?
Try to avoid walking on your roof. If you can, inspect from the ground or a secure ladder instead. If the situation demands it, you can walk on your roof but use safety precautions.
What are signs my roof needs replacing?
Some common signs that your roof may need to be replaced are curled, missing, or brittle shingles, leaks after storms, and bald spots. You should also consider replacing your entire roof if it’s older than 20 years. If you’re unsure how long roofs last, much of their longevity depends on the roofing material you use. Be sure to do research before scheduling any roof replacements.
Does home insurance cover roof damage?
Homeowners insurance usually covers storm damage but not ongoing maintenance. Claims are subject to your deductible, so consult your insurance agent.
How much do roofers charge hourly?
On average, roofers charge between $50 and $100 an hour. Rates depend on the repair type, location, and home type. New roofs typically cost more than $5,000, but installation prices vary, creating a wide range of potential costs.
