Fall Is the Ideal Time to Complete Roof Maintenance Tasks
As the summer heat fades into milder temperatures, it should serve as a reminder to all homeowners that fall is upon us—and winter is just a few months away. While summer brings severe storms, winter is also particularly harsh on roofing systems. This means it’s essential to complete any needed roof maintenance in the fall, before freezing temperatures and snowfall set in.
At Anchor Roofing, we speak from experience when we say that roof maintenance is perhaps the best tool homeowners have available to avoid premature—and costly—roof replacements. Rather than letting vulnerabilities turn into major problems over the winter, you can ensure your roof is ready to last until next spring. Here are the top roof maintenance tasks you should complete this fall.
Trim Your Trees
Trimming your trees is about much more than keeping your trees healthy and looking lively. In fact, it’s a key part of preventative roof maintenance, particularly if you have trees located very close to your home.
Falling tree branches are a common cause of roof repairs in Omaha, and winter freezes and snow accumulation can strain tree branches to the limit. Be sure to remove any overhanging tree branches, especially branches that appear dead. This can prevent roof damage and leaks!
Clean Gutters and Roof Debris
Cleaning your gutters is an essential part of home maintenance during the fall, and it’s especially vital for the health of your roof. While fall colors are beautiful, all those leaves eventually fall, frequently collecting in gutters. This can clog them up and interfere with their main function, leading to pooling water and other issues.
Poor drainage is a threat to your roof year-round, of course. However, during the winter, clogged gutters can cause water to collect and freeze on your roof, or to overflow from your gutters and freeze as hazardous icicles. We recommend cleaning your gutters at least once during the fall to ensure your roof’s drainage system works as it should.
In addition, leaves and other debris can collect on your roof as well. This can create an opportunity for algae and mildew, lead to excessive moisture, or even create an ideal hiding place for unwanted pests. So as you go to clean your gutters, take the time to remove other debris from the surface of your roof as well.
Check on Your Roof Ventilation
Poor roof ventilation is a lesser-known but serious roofing issue that can lead to a wide range of problems. For example, ventilation is needed to regulate the temperature of your home, ensuring the surface of your roof isn’t too warm. If your roof isn’t properly ventilated, it can lead to ice dam formation, which is a serious safety hazard.
To assess your roof’s ventilation, you can check your attic for signs of problems. Signs of poor ventilation may include:
- Mold, mildew, or rotting wood
- Extreme heat in your attic
- A damp or foul odor
Make sure roof vents are open and allow air to flow freely before winter arrives. Or better yet, follow our next tip for a full assessment of your roof vents!
Schedule a Roof Inspection 
Homeowners should schedule a roof inspection at least once per year, and ideally twice. The best time to have your roof inspected, however, is during the fall. This is because fall weather is mild, making roofing work easier to complete; the storm season has just ended, so it’s the ideal time to check for storm damage; and fall comes just before winter, which is an especially harsh time for your roof.
A full inspection from a professional roofer will reveal potential trouble spots and damage in plenty of time to resolve these issues before the cold sets in.
Call Anchor Roofing Today!
If you’re completing roof maintenance for the fall, reach out to Anchor Roofing in Omaha today to schedule your inspection! As a leading Omaha roofing company, we know all the common threats to roofs in our area. What’s more, our inspection process is renowned as the area’s most thorough and comprehensive, ensuring no issues with your roof will go unnoticed.
Complete your inspection before winter arrives. Reach out today to schedule yours!