How to Protect Your Roof During the Fall Season

Tips to Protecting Your Roof During the Fall

We are beginning to have cooler nights and feel a chill in the air during the day. This means the fall season is upon us. After a brutally hot summer, we are all probably welcoming this change in temperature. Along with the cooler temps comes the time to do some home maintenance in preparation for the cold months that winter will bring. It’s the perfect time to check out your roof and make sure that it is in good shape for the upcoming months.

Your roof is integral in protecting you and your home, so it is one of the primary aspects of the house that needs to be in good shape. If you don’t take precautions to protect your roof during the fall, your roof could suffer damage that leads to expensive repairs. Many common problems will actually require more than a quick fix. The more you know about the damage your roof can experience, the more you will be able to prevent extensive issues.

If you find anything that needs repairing on your roof, it’s best to call a licensed NJ roofing contractor to request a free roof repair estimate rather than attempt to fix it yourself. Our professional roofing repair specialists know the tools that are best for the job and will ensure that everything gets fixed in the proper manner.

Let’s look at some roof maintenance tips to protect your roof during the fall season and keep your home protected in the months to come!

Clear Debris from Your Roof

A lot of debris falls on your roof, especially in the fall with falling leaves. Clear your roof of tree branches, leaves, pine needles, and other debris. These can hold moisture and eventually mold or rot, causing shingles and roofing material to disintegrate.  

Trim Your Trees

If you have trees with branches that hang over your house, trim them now to prevent roof damage that occurs when the wind, snow, and ice come this winter. Wind, heavy snow, and ice break limbs, which can then hit your roof and cause damage. We recommend you hire a professional tree trimmer if you aren’t able to perform these tasks.

Look for Roof Damage

Now that the roof is clean of debris, check the surface for any signs of damage. If you have a steep roof with many pitches, this may be difficult for you to do. You (or someone you hire) need to look for broken, missing, or curled shingles. If any are found, they need to be repaired or replaced right away. If there are significant findings, you should have a qualified expert inspect the area to assess whether you need a total roof replacement or a roof repair.  

Clear Gutters

Be sure to keep your gutter system along the roofline clear. Debris like leaves, pine needles, and sludge can accumulate and clog the gutters, preventing the system from properly draining water. Overflowing rainwater can damage the roof, siding, and trim boards on your house. Additionally, if the gutters become too heavy from rain-soaked debris and standing water, the system can begin to pull loose and even collapse.

Check for Roof Leaks by Inspecting the Attic

A leaky roof can cause many problems–water damage, mildew, and mold. You’ll want to be sure that you don’t miss a leak before the cold winter months arrive. Wait for a rainy day and inspect the attic for leaks. If you see any evidence that water has gotten in, you should act immediately. Areas that have signs of mold, mildew, warped wood, and water stains on insulation or sheetrock are obvious signs of a leak. Contact a professional roofer to inspect the roof and isolate the location of the leak.

Look for Granule Loss

The best time to check for granule loss is after a storm. If you see colorful bits of mineral granules in the gutters, then you probably are losing granules. Granules are small pulverized minerals that are embedded on the surface of asphalt shingles. These granules are important because they protect the shingle against UV rays, resist fire, and are aesthetically pleasing. If your roof is losing granules, it means that your roof is showing wear and may need significant repairs or replacement. Keep a watch for granules in your gutters and color inconsistencies across your roof. If you are sure whether you need some repairs or a totally new roof, contact a roofing repair specialist who can inspect your roof and diagnose the situation.

Contact Us to Schedule a Free Roof Inspection

As you are checking on the state of your roof during the fall season, Allied Roofing Solutions is here to help. Whether it is a roof inspection, repair, or total roof replacement, we are committed to performing the top-quality work that you are looking for. We serve much of New Jersey, including Bergen County, Essex County, Hudson County, Middlesex County, Morris County, Passaic County, and Somerset County. To schedule a free roof inspection, please call us at (201) 773-0633 or fill out our handy free estimate form.