It seems incredibly hard to believe, but the leaves will soon fall, and autumn will be upon us. So, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your home for the cooler weather, and that includes your roof.
Here are a few tips from Flynn Roofing to help you get your home ready for the rigors of autumn:
Inspect Your Attic
While you might not think that your attic has much to do with your roof, it plays a vital role. Your attic is the first line of defense against the elements, and if it’s not properly insulated or ventilated, your roof will suffer.
Look for gaps or holes in insulation that allow heat to escape your home. These gaps and holes can result in costly energy bills and strain your roof.
Should you encounter damp insulation, this is a sign that your roof is leaking. If left unchecked, wet insulation can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can cause serious health problems. If you notice any dampness, contact a professional roofer immediately.
Inspect And Clean Your Gutters
Most people don’t give their gutters a second thought – until they start having problems. Then, they suddenly realize that these humble pieces of metal play a vital role in protecting their homes from water damage.
But many people don’t realize that the roofing materials underneath gutters are just as necessary as the gutters themselves. That’s because gutters funnel water away from the roof, and if those roofing materials are damaged, it can lead to severe leaks.
So before you write off those dripping gutters as simply an annoyance, take a closer look at the roofing materials beneath them. If you see any signs of damage, it’s time to call in a professional for repairs. Ignoring the problem will only make it worse and, ultimately, more expensive to fix.
First, do a visual inspection of the eaves. Be on the lookout for signs of damage, including corrosion, holes, and cracks. These issues negatively impact the gutters’ ability to do their job, which is to divert runoff water away from your roof and home.
Don’t forget about your downspouts. Downspouts with blockages can cause water to back up and overflow, posing the risk of severe damage to your home’s foundation.
Once you’ve inspected the eaves and downspouts, remove all leaves, twigs, and debris. Clearing away these items will ensure that water can flow freely, preventing costly damage to your roof.
Trim Trees And Remove Dead Branches
After a long summer, your trees might have grown quite a bit. Now is the time to trim them, especially if branches hang over your roof.
Overhanging branches can cause severe damage to your roof in a storm. They can also provide easy access for animals looking for a place to nest. Trimming back the branches will help protect your roof from damage and keep animals away from your roofing system.
Removing any dead branches from trees on your property would be best. Dead branches could easily fall during a storm, injure people, or cause property damage. As you might imagine, none of these scenarios are ideal for responsible homeowners who want to minimize risk throughout their property.
While you’re spending time dealing with trees, you might also want to check them for disease or invasive species. These problems can weaken the tree, making it more likely to fall and damage your roof. In Massachusetts, common threats to native trees include the Asian longhorned beetle and gypsy moth.
Asian long-horned beetles are particularly destructive, as they feed on the hardwood trees. If you think you’ve spotted an Asian longhorned beetle, contact the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation immediately.
And while Gypsy moths aren’t as destructive as Asian long-horned beetles, they can still weaken trees and make them more likely to fall, as they use the trees for food and shelter. So compromised trees are potential liabilities even if they aren’t close to your home. In addition, pest infestations can spread and put even more trees in danger.
Schedule A Professional Roofing Inspection
After a season of sunshine, heat, and storms, your roof could use a professional inspection. Our experienced roofers will check for any signs of damage and make repairs as needed.
Our expert roof team helps you safeguard your Massachusetts area home against the autumn elements. Contact Flynn Roofing today to schedule your roof inspection. We’ll ensure your roof is ready to protect your family seasonally.
Make Winter Weather Roofing Worries A Thing Of The Past
Among the most notable benefits of finishing roofing preparations in the autumn is that you’ll have one less worry when winter weather comes.
For example, freezing temperatures, snow, and ice can worsen existing roof damage and cause new problems, such as structural damage. You can avoid these issues and rest easy by making repairs before the cold weather hits, knowing your roof is in good condition.
In Massachusetts, we experience a wide range of temperatures throughout the year, from sweltering summers to frigid winters. That’s why you need a reliable roof ready to withstand the changing seasons, regardless of what Mother Nature has in store.
A Proactive Approach Protects Everything You Care About
Generally, procrastination is never an approach that serves you well. But when it comes to roofing maintenance and repair, it can be downright dangerous. Your roof is one of the essential parts of your home, protecting you from the elements year-round.
By taking a proactive approach to roofing preparations, you can avoid costly repairs and protect your family from weather-related dangers.
If you’re interested in scheduling a professional roofing inspection, contact Flynn Roofing today. We’re happy to schedule a free consultation or provide an estimate for professional roofing services in Newton, Quincy, Wellesley, Dover, Hingham, Norwell, Needham, Cohasset, and Scituate.