As the calendar turns from summer to fall, it’s a perfect time to take a look at the roof before the harsh weather of winter arrives. Roof conditions can change with the season, especially when extreme temperature changes are involved. Temperature and seasonal changes can impact a roof’s ability to protect a home. Make sure to have the roof inspected at least twice a year to help prolong its life.
Fall cleaning helps to preserve your roof, ensuring prolonged performance and durability. When inspecting your roof from the ground, here are some things to look for:
- Damaged shingles. Shingles can buckle, blister, and curl due to aging. If you see shingles such as these, call a professional for further information whether or not to replace individual shingles.
- Discolored or stained ceilings. If you see ceiling stains on your ceiling, you could have a leaky roof. Check for ponding or gathered water on the roof, including penetration through insulation areas.
- Energy wasters. Worn areas around pipes, lights, or chimneys allow heat and air to escape, potentially raising your monthly electric bill if not insulated properly. Since these areas might be difficult to inspect from the ground, consult a contractor to inspect these items.
- Clogged gutters. As the leaves from trees fall off in the coming months, gutters are a perfect place for them to rest. Remove fallen tree branches, leaves, or other debris. This is very important to ensure consistent clear flowing areas so water won’t back up and freeze during cold weather conditions. Once you have cleared away the large particles, run a hose through your gutters to ensure water flows easily through the pipes and downspouts.
- Moss, Lichen, and Mold. Large amounts of moss, lichen, mold, or mildew can be easily spotted and can be removed professionally. Roofing professionals can remove these through gentle treatments, which will not hurt your roof as long as they are not performed frequently. Pressure washing is not recommended since it can damage asphalt shingles.
- Granule loss. Granules in your gutters can be an indication of deteriorating shingles. Damaged shingles should be replaced to protect your home against the sun’s ultraviolet rays, water, debris, and other elements.
- Flashing issues. Examine the flashing each season for cracking, missing caulk, or rust spots. It is also important to repair leaking areas to avoid damage to your home’s interior.
Make a habit of checking for these possible problem areas seasonally to protect the longevity of your roof and to ensure proper protection of your home. Refer to our fall-cleaning tips to not overlook any areas of your home for defects, damage, or simple dirty areas. Contact a local roofing contractor to address any major issues. For more homeowner roofing tools, visit the Atlas Roofing website.Â
 [submitted by Atlas Roofing]
