With the kids back in school and the fall leaves dancing in the wind, it’s easy get lost in the beauty of the season. While this time delivers crisp air, pumpkin patches, and fall festivities, it also introduces new potential hazards to your roof. So, zip up your jacket and get ready to find out how you can best prepare your roof for the upcoming chilly season:
1. Trim Your Trees
If your residential or commercial building is surrounded by tall, leafy trees, you’re probably enjoying the fall of brightly coloured leaves. While this is a great time to snap some seasonal pictures, it’s also time to give your trees a haircut. Trimming back the branches that hang over your roof can prevent damage from debris and minimize the amount of leaves that fall on your roof.
2. Clean Your Gutters
This is typically a dreaded job; however, cleaning your gutters is an important part to maintaining a clean and well-functioning rooftop. When excess leaves and debris collect on your roof, you risk a clog in your gutters and downspouts. In a rainy city like Burnaby, it’s crucial that your roofing system is clear of obstruction to allow proper drainage. If not, rainwater will overflow the gutters, causing damage to your trim, siding, and roof. You also risk the gutters pulling away from the house if they’re bearing too much weight.
To avoid this, make sure you regularly clear out your gutters. Once the trees around your building have fallen bare, proceed with a thorough cleaning of your gutters and downspouts. Even though summer is tied to decently dry climates, debris can still be blown onto your roofing system. So, while fall is prime time for fallen leaves, do your best to keep a clean roof year-round.
3. Get Rid of Debris
While clean gutters are important, there’s nothing better than a roof clear of debris. Leaves, branches, gravel, pine needles, and all sorts of things love to collect on your rooftop. These elements can collect moisture and increase the risk of mold growth atop your building.
To prevent this, you should have the debris cleared off from your roof before winter hits. If you’re comfortable on a rooftop, you can grab a ladder and a broom to brush off the debris. Make sure you pay special attention to the crevices of the roof, as water likes to collect at the low points. If you’re not experienced walking on a roof, our team can assist with a quick clean as a part of our roof maintenance service.
4. Check for Damage
While you’re brushing leaves off your roof – or having a professional maintenance check – be sure to check for signs of damage or deterioration. Depending on your roofing material, look for missing or curled shingles, loose or cracked tiles, or any other signs of damage. Damaged flashing, especially around your chimney, skylight, or vents can be a sign of a larger issue. If you notice any signs of damage or deterioration in your roofing system, reach out to a professional right away.
The best way to prevent structural damage to your building is by getting ahead of the problem. Before the rainy days hit, you can give us a call for a maintenance check. During our visit, we’ll take a thorough assessment of your roof and provide any necessary repairs.
5. Don’t Forget the Attic
It’s spooky season, so why not peek into your eerie attic space? It’s important you check your attic for signs of water damage or excessive heat. If it’s damp, you may need a roof leak repair. If it’s too hot, this could be a sign of poor ventilation, therefore, your soffits and ridges may require some special attention.
When looking for signs of built-up condensation or moisture damage in your attic, check your insulation for:
- Lumps
- Damp spots
- Thinning
- Shrinking
- Pulling away from the edges of the walls
Excessive moisture or high temperatures can lead to ice dams in the winter. Should snow accumulate on your roof, you may be at risk for a leaky winter. You can prevent this by having a professional roof inspection conducted before the snow falls.
Your Roofing Contractor in Burnaby
How can you prepare your roof for fall? By calling our trusted team of roofing experts. At Canuck Roofing, we promise you the highest quality of service every time. If you’re in need of repairs, installations, or just a quick maintenance inspection, we’re here to help. Contact us today to request a quote!