Summer is coming to an end, and before you know it fall will be in full swing. The changing leaves and comfortable temperatures are a nice change of pace, but it’s also a sign that you need to spend a little extra time maintaining the exterior of your home before winter weather returns. Follow this checklist to ensure your roof is properly maintained for a long lifespan and proper protection when harsh weather hits!
Your roof should be inspected at least once a year. You can attempt to inspect the roof yourself, but hiring a professional roofing contractor is ideal. A roofing inspection requires a ladder and knowledge of how to maneuver around the top of the roof safely. Then, any signs of damage need to be noted for future repairs. Signs of damage include cracks, holes, curling, missing shingles, and so much more! The early signs of damage are especially hard for the untrained eye to notice.
Your gutters are part of your roofing system. When water drains off your roof, it runs into the gutter system to be drained away from the foundation of your home. Gutters require maintenance at least twice a year to prevent blockages, ice dams, and other damages. To maintain your gutters, you’ll need a ladder, heavy-duty gloves, and something to put debris into. Any visible debris should be removed from the gutters. Once you’re done cleaning the gutters, flush them out with the hose to check for good water flow. If the water is still backed up, there’s likely a clog out of your view in the downspout system. During the cleaning process, note any signs of damage to your gutters.
If you’re not too excited about the thought of climbing up to clean the gutters yourself, that’s okay! Professional roofing contractors offer gutter cleaning services so your roof can be maintained appropriately without taking any time away from your busy schedule. Hiring a professional will also allow for easy repairs or replacements of your gutter system as needed.
The ceiling of your attic is the backside of your roof. This is important to know because sometimes, getting a different perspective of your roof reveals new issues! Go into the attic and look for any areas where light is shining through the roof. You can also check when it’s raining to see if there’s any water leaking into the attic. Your attic is home to your roof ventilation system too. Roof ventilation helps lower your utility bills by circulating hot air out of the attic. A roofing contractor can inspect your current ventilation and insulation system to determine if it needs to be upgraded during the roof inspection process.
If you’re ready to replace your roof this fall, our team at Oceanside Exteriors has you covered! You can contact our team today by calling us at (207) 310-7659 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with all of your roofing needs!