3 Preventative Fall Roofing Tips
In addition to regular exterior inspections (make sure to schedule one if you haven’t already! Annual roof checkups can prevent costly damage down the road), however, there are several other ways to safeguard against leaks this winter season. Roof leaks can cause severe damage to your home, inside and out. As water pools beneath shingles or other materials, it may cause warping and breakdown of your roof’s underlayment. In addition, perpetual seeping into the attic or behind drywall can lead to unhealthy mold growth . Finally, if your leak becomes an interior problem, you may need to repair or replace insulation, drywall, floor coverings or furniture.
To prevent your home from water infiltration this winter, keep the following tips in mind.
Attic inspection
In addition to inspecting your roof’s exterior, it’s a good idea to inspect your attic 1 to 2 times a year—and especially before winter sets in. If you get the opportunity to inspect it on a rainy fall day, you’ll be able to see leaky areas firsthand. If it’s dry outside when you inspect, look for other telltale signs of leaks:
- mold or mildew around the vents, joints and seams,
- warped wood, or
- stained insulation
If you’ve had recent rain, you may even see water dripping from insulation, wood or vent areas.
Once you’ve found a potential leak, contact your NW Colorado Roofing Professional o schedule a leak repair.
Ice dam prevention
It won’t be long before blowing snow sets in, and it’s one of the main causes of roof leaks. Snow and cold weather lead to ice dams , which build up on your roof and prevent proper runoff drainage.
While shingle roofs are meant to be basically water resistant, they’re no match for water trapped behind ice dams for lengthy periods. This water begins to slowly saturate your shingles and roof structure, eventually leading to leaks.
To avoid ice dams before they happen, make sure your attic is adequately ventilated . Attic temperatures should be the same as the exterior temperature, and gable, soffit and roof ridge vents help to maintain this temperature consistency.
In addition, properly insulating between the rafters can help to prevent ice damming. If you believe your roof needs additional venting or an insulation checkup, let us know.
Limit roof traffic
Later towards the holidays, you may be climbing on or around your roof to hang lighting or install holiday décor. However, regular foot traffic can lead to a leak, since shingles may split and flashing may crack under pressure.
If you must be on the roof for inspections or holiday light hanging, avoid stepping on shingles that appear to be compromised—whether warped, curling or cracked. Also, try not to step on roof tiles or tile cement—since these materials are also easily damaged under weight.
As we move into fall, remember that a well-maintained roof is less likely to leak , and less likely to require costly repairs. Remove debris—like pine needles and leaves—to encourage proper draining. In addition, maintain your gutters properly and conduct or schedule regular inspections to ensure that water is draining properly, year-round.
