Autumn is welcomed by most of us, especially when we’ve had a really hot summer. The leaves start turning and there’s a crispness to the air. But all this brings debris and moss from nearby trees on to your roof. As always during this time of the year, we’re focused on gutters and roof maintenance. A little bit of care now can pay dividends later. Along with gutter news, we also have a few cleaning tips for your roof. Please read on – your preventative steps can save headaches and water damage in the future!
The fall season brings special problems to your gutters. There are plenty of leaves falling onto the roof, and combined with frequent rains, they can be devastating to your roof and gutters. Here are three ways that fall leaves can damage your home or business and leave you with repairs.
- Gutters have to be replaced. Left untended, gutters and downspouts get so clogged with debris that they’re rendered useless. The leaves start to decompose at some point and the gutter fills with water, causing rust and damage to the gutter. Eventually, these gutters start to break apart and separate from the roof. In the meantime, you are more likely to have water entering your house. When that happens, damage can be significant.
- Roof and wood fascia become damaged. This is some of the damage we mentioned above. Gutters filled with leaves can’t do what they’re supposed to do! Gutters are made to divert rainwater from your roof and home. They’re designed to move water down from the roof and away from the home. But when gutters are clogged, water finds the path or lease resistance – which means it works right into the walls and ceilings of your house. This heavy rain water causes damage to roofs or damage to the wood fascia around your home.
- Basement flooding or damage to your foundation. As gutters fill with leaves, water overflows, which leads to rain coming off your roof with such force that it will damage flower beds and gardens. While you won’t want to see that happen, even more damage to your basement can result from the water seeping into your foundation.
How To Maintain A Roof And Gutters To Avoid Costly Damage
Inspection. We recommend that you begin with a thorough inspection of your roof. If you’re not comfortable performing this inspection yourself, consider hiring a professional roofing contractor. Check for these signs:
- Missing or damaged shingles
- Signs of wear around chimneys and vents
- Sagging or uneven areas
Cleaning. Remove any debris from your roof, including leaves, branches, and moss. This prevents moisture buildup and potential mold growth. Use a soft-bristle broom or brush to avoid damaging the roofing material.
Repairs. Address any minor issues promptly. We suggest that you replace damaged shingles, seal small links with roofing cement, and repair flashing around chimneys, vents and windows. It’s always a wise choice to consult with a professional roofer for more significant repairs.
Gutter Maintenance. Gutter cleaning is perhaps the most critical autumn maintenance task. Here’s how to carefully approach it. Ensure that you have a study ladder and proper equipment; remove debris by hand or with a gutter scoop, flush out remaining particles with a hose, make sure the water flows freely through the downspout. While cleaning, look out for things like sagging sections, leaks at the seams or corners or rust spots if you have metal gutters. Be sure to tighten loose screws, seal leaks with gutter sealant and replace any damaged section.
Should You Hire A Professional? Or DIY? While many homeowners can handle basic maintenance tasks, there are times when professional help is advisable. Consider hiring a professional if:
- You’re not comfortable working at heights
- Your roof has a steep pitch
- You notice significant damage or wear
- You lack the necessary tools or expertise
Professional roofers and gutter specialists have the skills and equipment to safely and effectively maintain your home’s exterior.
And Lastly, Gutter Guards. Are they a worthwhile investment? If you find yourself dreading the annual gutter cleaning ritual, you might consider installing gutter guards. These devices cover your gutters with a mesh or screen that allows water to pass through while blocking leaves and debris. While gutter guards can significantly reduce the frequency of cleaning, they’re not a complete solution. You’ll still need to perform occasional maintenance, but the task will be much less daunting.