Fall has officially arrived in Toronto, and with it the harsh fall winds that this region is known for. With the strong winds and increased debris caused by falling leaves this season, it’s important to prepare your home for the coming winter months to avoid any potential problems down the road and keep things safe and comfortable all year round. If you’re new to home ownership or you simply want a refresher, we’ve compiled a list of important fall roof maintenance tips that will benefit any homeowner as they “batten down the hatches”, as they say, for the incoming colder months.
Tip #1 – Perform A Visual Inspection
The best place to start any roof maintenance is by completing an exterior, visual inspection of your roof. You’ll want to get up on your roof and check for missing shingles or any other problems that can contribute to damage or leaks. You can do this yourself, or if you don’t feel comfortable completing this step on your own, you can hire a competent roofing expert like Professional Roofers to come up and check things out. Pay particular attention to the area around chimneys and vents as well as along edges of the roof. You’ll want to check for punctures, tears, deteriorating materials, buckles, bulges, curling, and areas where the roofing is pulling away at the edges. If you have a flat roof, you should also look for any ponding of water that may have built up. If you’d like more information on what to check for, ask the pros at Professional Roofers for tips – anything that looks out of the ordinary could be cause for concern.
Tip #2 – Interior Inspection
You may not notice damage or leaks on the interior of your home until the problem is out of control. Now is the time to visually inspect the attic and interior of your home for signs of potential problems like mould, leaks, or signs of wildlife.
Tip #3 – Remove Debris From Roof And Gutters
It’s important to make sure there is no buildup of debris on the roof or gutters of your house. This should be checked periodically throughout the year; however, if you live in an area with a lot of wind, you may need to check even more regularly than average. Debris on the roof can interfere with water running off into gutters and spouts, pooling and leading to damage and leaks. Remember to check the drains and spouts for obstructions that can block water flow as well.
Tip #4 – Trim Trees Around The Home
The wind and rain can create issues with overhanging branches, and also create more debris from falling leaves. Hire someone to come and trim trees to avoid falling branches that can damage your home and create a safety issue.
Tip #5 – Make Necessary Repairs Now
The time to address maintenance and repairs is now – before wet, freezing weather comes along. A yearly maintenance and inspection routine can help extend the life of your roof for many years to come. By taking the time for proper fall roof maintenance, you’ll avoid disaster and expense during the winter months. It only takes a small amount of time to check for damage and debris, and the time investment is well worth it for peace of mind.
