Spare a thought for your roof. Arguably the most weather-exposed portion of your house, it’s positioned to take a beating at any time of year, but perhaps none more so than in fall and winter. Heavy rain, snow, ice, and even falling leaves will take their toll on your roof throughout the next five to six months. The good news is, a little preventative roof maintenance now can go a long way toward preventing extensive repairs later. Here’s our guide to getting your roof ready for a Maryland fall and winter.
1. Inspect Your Roof Thoroughly
Consider this step one of a proper roof maintenance checklist: a detailed roof inspection. Look for missing, cracked, or loose shingles that may have been damaged over the summer. Shingles in poor condition can let in moisture once the rain and snow arrive.
Check your attic for signs of leaks or water stains, and inspect flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights: common trouble spots for leaks. Don’t forget to look over gutters and downspouts for cracks or clogs that could cause water to back up under shingles.
2. Clean & Maintain Gutters
Your gutters play a critical role in directing water away from your home. When they’re clogged with leaves and debris rainwater can overflow, damaging your roof, siding, and foundation.
As such, you should clean your gutters at least once per fall. Use a scoop or trowel to remove debris, then flush the system with a garden hose to ensure smooth flow. Also, make sure downspouts direct water several feet away from your home.
If your property has a lot of trees, consider installing gutter guards to reduce roof maintenance and, importantly, minimize future blockages.
3. Trim Overhanging Branches
Tree branches hanging too close to your roof can cause problems when fall winds or ice storms hit. Broken limbs can damage shingles or even puncture your roof.
So trim back any overhanging branches, well before winter arrives. This not only prevents the aforementioned potential damage from falling limbs but also reduces the amount of debris landing on your roof and in your gutters. And the resulting improved sunlight and airflow will also help discourage moss and algae growth (more on that next).
4. Check for Moss, Algae, or Fungus
Maryland is humid. This is not breaking news. But what may be is the fact that a humid climate can make roofs prone to moss and algae, especially on shaded or north-facing sections. Over time, these growths can trap moisture and weaken shingles.
What to do? Look for green or black streaks and treat them with a roof-safe cleaning solution. Never, ever use a pressure washer, as its obnoxiously powerful blast can damage shingles. Preventative treatments are also available to help stop future growth, and can thus be another important box to tick off on your roof maintenance checklist.
5. Prepare for Winter Weather
Good, preventative roof maintenance means making sure your attic has proper insulation and ventilation before freezing temperatures arrive. Such insulation prevents ice dams: ridges of ice that form along the roof’s edge and force water under shingles.
So be sure to seal any small leaks and check that roof-mounted equipment like satellite dishes or antennas are secure. A quick tune-up now can help prevent major issues later.
6. Schedule Professional Inspection or Maintenance
Even the most careful homeowner can miss subtle signs of wear. Scheduling a professional inspection now ensures that small issues are fixed before winter storms have the chance to make them worse.
A licensed Maryland roof maintenance service, like PJ’s Roofing, can professionally assess your roof’s condition, perform needed maintenance, and help extend its lifespan. Regular inspections also help protect any warranties you may already have in place.
7. Safety Tips for DIY Checks
If you plan to inspect the roof yourself, be cautious. Use a sturdy ladder, wear shoes with good traction, and avoid working on wet or icy surfaces. Remember that a professional roof maintenance service is always just a phone call away, which will have the equipment and experienced personnel to make this part of the job easy, and safe, for you.
Remember Your Roof
It’s out there every day protecting you from the worst weather-excesses mother nature can devise, and right now is the perfect time to prepare it for the especially daunting season ahead. By inspecting it, cleaning the gutters, checking for moss and algae growth, and trimming back the trees, your roof and your home will be ready for what’s to come.
At PJ’s Roofing, our experienced team of roofing professionals provides homeowners like you with reliable, high-quality services they can trust, at any time of year. To schedule your fall roof inspection or roof maintenance appointment, contact PJ’s Roofing today.
