In Rochester, summer eases into fall with its sunny skies and 60-degree temperatures. Before long, winter will arrive with a bang, bringing with it cold, snow, and ice dams.
Roofs that survive our harsh winters without incident don’t happen overnight. They start now, with fall inspections and repairs. Customers who take the time to prepare their homes for winter now can enjoy the colder months knowing they are warm and protected. A little maintenance now can save you money and stress later on.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through what fall roof maintenance needs to be done before winter and when you should call a roofing professional.
Do I Need to Do Fall Maintenance?
Yes, every roof needs some form of fall roof maintenance before each winter. If you’re lucky, a simple inspection is enough to ensure your roof is sound and leak-free. However, if your inspection reveals any issues, address them now before the harsher weather and snow hit.
A compromised roof will leak when winter brings increased precipitation. With ice dams, it’s much harder to fix problems in winter, and a small issue can become a bigger problem for your home.
This year’s El Niño is projected to bring warmer temperatures and a mix of rain, sleet, and snow. Precipitation, combined with fluctuating temperatures, creates ice dams. Poor insulation and gutters increase your home’s risk of ice dams. Address those issues now before they become major winter damage.
Fall Roof Checklist for Rochester, NY
Fine Line Improvements offers free roof inspections and quotes, and we are happy to give your house the proper inspection it needs this fall. If you are inspecting your own home this fall, here’s what to look for.
- Missing or damaged shingles. Shingles with lifted edges or deteriorating granules can allow water to leak through. Pay extra attention to shingles by the eaves where ice dams can form, and the sides most impacted by wind. Most shingles need at least 40 degrees for their thermal sealant strips to activate and bond properly, so repairs can be tricky when colder temperatures hit. Get those repairs done now while it’s still warm.
- Clogged or damaged gutters. Beautiful fall colors come with beautiful fall leaves … falling into your gutters and clogging them. Before winter, make sure all gutters and downspouts are free of debris to allow water to flow freely away from your home. Ice dams can also cause more damage to loose gutters, so any damaged gutters should be addressed now before winter.
- Cracked siding and window trim. Check for cracks or loose siding. Even small cracks can let water in and create damage.
- In the attic. Poor attic insulation can lead to ice dams. Inspect the insulation before winter to ensure heat won’t leak out through your roof. While you’re up there, look for any water stains that could indicate a leak.
If you see any of these signs, contact us now so we can address them quickly.