Roofers Have Things Nailed Down

Fall Season DIY Homeowner Roof Maintenance Tasks

17 October 2022

Nora Mcdonalid

Working on a residential roof is a very risky project most homeowners should avoid. However, if you have some basic do-it-yourself skills, then there are many things you can do each fall to maintain your home's roof and extend its life:

Thoroughly Clean the Rain Gutters and Downspouts

Rain gutters are one of the most important parts of a home's roofing system. The rain gutters capture the stormwater and dirt washed down from the roof and safely deposit it in your landscaping. Without rain gutters, your home is at risk of foundation damage from too much water pooling around it after storms.

When rain gutters are clogged, water can't drain, and instead, it pours out over the sides of the gutters. When this happens, water gets under shingles and leads to leaks and dry rot. Water also runs down the exterior of your home and, over time, will damage the paint job and foundation. 

Simply cleaning out all of your home's rain gutters and downspouts goes a long way towards preventing their damage and ensuring water is flowing safely off the roof and away from your home.

Proactively Seek Out Roofing Leaks After Storms

One of the most popular times for a roof to leak is during the first fall storms. While these storms aren't necessarily the most severe, they drop water on a dried-out roof that has been baking in the sun all summer and could potentially have been damaged by wind.

To ensure your home's roof hasn't suffered any damage over the summer, inspect the attic space and all around the foundation after the first fall storms. If the roof has any damage, you should be able to see water in the attic or running down the sides of your home where it should not be.

Have Regular Roof Inspections

Lastly, but most importantly, have your home's roof inspected by a licensed roofing contractor at least every few years. Regular inspections ensure minor roof problems are fixed before they lead to major problems. 

The inspection will identify problems with the following:

• metal flashing
• chimney gaps
• vents
• skylights
• shingles 

Additionally, the roof's overall condition will be evaluated, and the roofer will let you know how long the roof should last before it needs replacement.

Roofs that are regularly inspected and maintained by homeowners last longer than those that are ignored until they start to leak. And all roofs need regular inspections, not just those that are old.

To learn more, contact a roofing contractor in your area.

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