Top 5 Fall Roof Maintenance Tips

In Oklahoma, it sometimes feels like summer will last forever and seasonal roof maintenance is the last thing on our minds. However, the seasons will change at a moment’s notice, and winter weather will be upon us before we know it.

High winds will be picking up and the beautiful fall leaves will fill up our gutters. And, soon enough, ice could even be a threat to our overhangs. As the weather cools down, think about these roof maintenance and tips. They will help your roof and home prepare for the changing weather.

The easiest part of roof maintenance is taking some simple photos of your roof. This is also the first step in a roof inspection. This way, you’ll be able to quickly determine if a storm damaged your property, or you’ll have proof for insurance claims later. Then, if you discover damage when comparing photos, you know it’s time to contact a trusted roofing company. Remember to use safety best practices when taking photos of your roof.

1. Clean your gutters and downspouts

All it takes is one good rain or extra high winds to fill up your gutters beyond capacity. Fallen leaves and other tree debris can easily clog gutters and downspouts preventing the flow of water. Simple roof maintenance would be to clean these areas thoroughly to remove debris from your gutters and downspouts.

Also, it is important to note that you’ll probably need to clean out your gutters more than once per season. Check them after every major rainstorm or significant weather change to see if leaves and debris have clogged them again.

After a particularly wet or humid summer, be sure to check the shaded or cooler areas of your roof for moss growth. Moss will look like furry areas on top of your shingles while algae looks like long streaks.

Dirty and overly stuffed gutters can also be breeding grounds for mold. Mold and other debris can make your gutters start to rot, leading to a quick need for repair. Plus, it can impact your health, and no one wants to deal with that on top of a roof repair.

Clean away debris that accumulate in your gutters, downspouts and roof system. This is one of the most important parts of fall roof maintenance. Eventually, we may see snow and ice later in the season. When winter weather precipitation stacks up on top of existing debris, it creates extra weight on your roof, which typically causes damage.

2. Check all flashing

Your roof’s metal flashing helps tunnel water away and off your roof. You’ll want to check all the caulking around the edges of the flashing. Look for cracking or peeling caulk.

Sometimes, this may mean you need to climb on top of your roof to check it out. However, we’re happy to do so for you as part of our free estimate and roofing services. Your safety is our top priority!

Simply pull out the old caulk and fill in with new where needed if you find damage. This is the most common flashing issue most will encounter. In addition, check all the nails and overall quality of the flashing.

If you notice flashing that has come off its seal or surface, or if it looks damaged, discolored, or missing, you should replace it. Call us, and we can help you determine if you need to replace flashing.

3. Look at your overgrown trees

Like everything else outdoors, your trees have probably grown over the course of the spring and summer. So, take a good look at all your tree limbs.

Do any hang over your roof? Are any limbs touching your roof or your house? Trim any overhanging branches now to avoid serious work (and damage) after a storm. Untrimmed trees can cause different types of roof damage, no matter the roofing materials. Not only can branches can scrape and damage shingles, but they also provide a runway to lead animals onto your roof that make cause issues down the road.

Remember, look at entry points into your attic or hole openings in your roof. Ensure you properly seal all openings to prevent animals from seeking refuge in your attic during the colder months. It will be much easier to keep critters out now. This way, you can avoid potential damage long term.

4. Consider roof repairs

As cooler weather approaches, the last thing you want is to deal with is roof leaks that jeopardize the safety, stability and warmth of your home. Fall is the ideal season for roof repairs, giving you the chance to address any issues before winter’s snow and ice set in. This is why routine maintenance is so important.

Small problems or minor damage can grow into a serious roofing problem over the winter if not fixed. This can lead to bigger and more expensive repairs later. By scheduling a proactive roof inspection, a professional can pinpoint areas needing attention and determine potential roof repairs. This will help give you peace of mind, ensuring your home stays protected and secure all season long.

5. Schedule a roof inspection or professional roof maintenance

Take a good, up-close look at your shingles. Look for cracked singles or shingles that are missing. Keep in mind, Turner Roofing always offers free roof inspections and estimates. We’ll be happy to take a look ourselves and see how your shingles should hold up during the colder seasons.

Turn to Turner to help you prepare for the fall season to prevent leaks in your own home or your commercial roof. Our non-commissioned sales team and trusted roofing experts will assist with any roof maintenance or roof repairs you need. We can repair or replace roofs, so if we notice any issues, we can help fix it.

We’ll come out to give you a free estimate to get your home or business weather ready.