Roofing Maintenance | Turner Roofing

If we can’t count on anything else this year, we can be certain the seasons will soon start to turn and fall and winter weather will arrive. Before too long, wind will rap on our windows, leaves will fill up our gutters and, soon enough, ice even could be a threat to our overhangs. Before fall truly settles in, consider these roof maintenance tips for up your roof and all around your house to ensure your home is ready for changing weather.

Time for a photoshoot

The easiest part of roof maintenance. Snap some simple photos of your roof and its condition right now. This way, you’ll be able to quickly ascertain if a storm damaged your property, or you’ll have proof for insurance claims later.

Clean out all gutters and downspouts

All it takes is one good rain (and we’ve had several of those in the late summer) to fill up your gutters beyond capacity. In fall, gutters and downspouts also can easily get clogged with fallen leaves and other tree debris. Clean these areas thoroughly to completely remove all debris from your gutters and downspouts. Also, know you’ll probably need to clean out your gutters more than once. Check them after every major rainstorm or significant weather change to see if leaves and debris have clogged them again.

Look for moss, algae and mold

If we’ve had a particularly wet or humid summer (and this one had plenty of both), check the shaded or cooler areas of your roof. Moss will look like actual furry areas on top of your shingles while algae looks like long streaks. Remove this growth with a 50/50 mix of beach and water. Spray directly to the impacted area for 20 minutes and then rinse thoroughly to remove any remaining bleach. Be cautious, the runoff will contain bleach and may damage flowers, foliage or grass.

Check all flashing

Your roof’s metal flashing helps tunnel water away and off your roof. Climb up on your roof – or call us to do this part if your roof is too steep or you don’t feel comfortable doing so – and check all the caulking around the edges of the flashing. Look for cracking or peeling caulk. If you find any areas of damage, simply pull out the old caulk and fill in with new where needed. This is the most common flashing issue most will encounter. In addition, however, check all the nails and overall quality of the flashing. If you see flashing that has peeled away from its sealer or surface or if any flashing appears damaged, discolored or is just missing, you’ll need to replace pieces. Call us, we can help you replace flashing, if you need it.

Look at your overgrown trees

Like everything else outdoors, your trees have probably grown a lot over the course of the spring and summer. Take a good look at all your tree limbs. Do any hang over your roof now? Are any touching your roof or your house? Trim any overhanging branches now to avoid serious work (and damage) after a storm. Seal up any exposed holes. Look at any entry point to your attic or any hole opening in your roof. Make sure all are sealed completely tight to ensure no animals can seek refuge in your warm attic during the colder months. Keeping critters out will be so much easier (and you’ll avoid so much damage) now than getting them out once they are settled in for a long winter’s nap.

Inspect your shingles

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

We’d love to help you prepare for the fall season, and we can assist with any maintenance or repairs you need to make with your roof. Learn more about our residential roofing services.

Call us anytime at 918-258-2585, and we’ll come out to give you a free estimate to get you weather ready or chat with us online.