You are happily setting up scarecrows in your garden and putting out your decorative leaf wreaths on your front porch, but you are blissfully unaware of one of the most important preparations you should be making for fall. Your roof may not be able to speak, but it is silently asking for help in its own way. Your roof speaks in signs of damage. Do you know how to understand what it’s saying? In this blog, we will help you translate what your roof is trying to tell you.
Clogged Gutters and Downspouts
“I can’t breathe under all these leaves!”
If your gutters are overflowing during heavy rainfall or there is no water coming out of your downspout when the gutters are full of water, it means your roof’s drainage system is not working correctly. Debris from summer storms or the first falling leaves of the season may be trapped on your roof and in your gutter system, blocking the flow of water away from your home’s base.
Damaged Roofing Material
“I’m feeling a little under the weather.”
If you notice missing shingles, dislodged granules, dented metal, or cracked tile, it can be a serious sign that your roof needs repairs. Signs of wear and tear can become larger issues if left unchecked.
Small Roof Leaks
“I’m holding back the floodgates.”
Even the smallest leak in your roofing system can become a major problem. Fortunately, your roof can show warning signs before a leak appears. Cracked shingles, loose flashing, sagging spots, discoloration in your home’s interior, and mold growth indicate a problem to be fixed before a leak occurs. Learn more about the most common causes of roofing leaks and how to prevent them here.
Algae Growth
“We have an uninvited guest.”
Are you noticing dark streaks appearing on your roof? This is algae growth, and it’s a sign that there is excess moisture being trapped by your roof. This, in turn, can contribute to ice dams and damaged roofing materials in winter as the excess moisture freezes and thaws in fluctuating temperatures.
Why Fall is Important for Roof Maintenance
It’s important to plan your fall roof maintenance in the small window of time before the temperature drops and winter weather takes a toll on your roofing system. Ice dams, potential leaks, gaps in material, and ventilation issues can cause major damage in the winter months if not addressed quickly.
Your Pre-Fall Roof Checklist
The best way to prep your roofing system for the change of seasons is to hire a professional roofing company to perform an assessment. Here is what you can expect them to do:
- Inspect for missing or damaged shingles.
- Clean out gutters and downspouts.
- Check for moss, algae, or mildew growth.
- Inspect flashing around chimneys and vents.
- Check the attic and ceilings.
- Trim overhanging branches.
- Check for sagging or soft spots.
It’s important to avoid climbing on your own roof, as you may get hurt, damage your roof, or violate your warranty policy.
Your Roof is Talking. Are You Listening?
In short, your roof is talking to you. Let WorleyByrd do the listening! Many homeowners don’t think about their roof until something is wrong. Take a proactive approach and listen to the signs that your roof is already telling you so you can avoid more extensive repairs in the future. Get in touch with our team to schedule your roofing assessment.
