Fall is here. With temperatures dropping and leaves turning, you should really start thinking about getting your roof ready for winter weather. No matter what type of roof you have, you'll want to be sure it's in good shape before the first blast of arctic air.
Inspect Your Roof
Look for signs of trouble- blackened areas on the roof, which could mean you have some cracked shingles. Look for missing or curled shingles, which would indicate that the roof could be vulnerable to the harsh winter elements. Look around the chimney, trim and other areas where there is flashing. Look for cracks or missing flashing. If you see anything like this, get it repaired immediately. If you're considering a metal roof, you can find a local contractor by visiting the non-profit Metal Roofing Alliancehere.
Inspecting your roof also means looking around the inside of your home. Look up at your ceiling. If you see water stains or other discoloration you could have a leak in your roof. Also look carefully around all of your windows. If you have watermarks or stains, you should re-caulk.
Clean Your Gutters
The single most important thing you can do is clean your gutters. A gutter full of debris is a recipe for disaster. The weight of the debris, coupled with snow and ice could rip your gutter off the house. A full gutter could also lead to an ice dam, which will force moisture under the roofing material and create a leak.
Putting off repairs will lead to more costly repairs down the road. Keep your family safe and sound and stay on top of repairs for your largest investment- your home.