Your Fall Roof Maintenance Checklist

Roofing maintenance is an often overlooked way of reducing the expenses of homeowners over time. Roof repair and replacement can be very expensive, so while regular cleaning and maintenance may be time-consuming, we recommend it to ensure that any potential problems are caught quickly. 

Specifically, we recommend that every homeowner perform regular roof maintenance each fall. The winter season can be extremely difficult for your roofing system, so it’s best to get it all primed and ready before fall ends.

Prepare your home by trimming branches, cleaning gutters, and performing any necessary roof repairs. To start, we recommend a professional roofing inspection. Even if you prefer to perform your own roofing maintenance, having a professional inspect the roof first can be beneficial. 

A professional roofing expert can give you a comprehensive list of tips and instructions for your regular fall roof maintenance. We have also prepared a checklist of the most important tasks you must complete before the winter months start rolling in:

Trim Your Branches

Each winter, ice storms can threaten trees that aren’t used to freezing temperatures, especially in South Texas. Walk the scale of your property and visually assess any trees in close proximity to your home. 

Trim back or cut any branches that could cause damage to your home if they fall. Remember, small branches that touch your roof may not cause a whole lot of damage if they fall, but they can still leave sizable damage if the wind blows them against your shingles repeatedly. 

Keep in mind, though, that it’s not advisable to attempt any dangerous tree trimming without consulting a professional. 

Clean Your Gutters

Before all the leaves drop off in the fall, you’ve got to clear out your gutters. The summer rains and heat have likely caused the gutters to fill up to capacity. Fall gutter cleaning is essential in preventing roof damage after snow and ice storms. Remember that clogged gutters can lead to “ice dams.”

An ice dam happens when the gutters are clogged and leaves accumulate over the part of the roof just above the gutters. During a freezing rain or ice storm, the pile of leaves will freeze. When the pile of leaves begins to melt, that water will have nowhere to drain and will seep into the shingles and the wood underneath, causing wood rot and water damage to the home. 

This is entirely preventable, so take the time to learn how to clean gutters thoroughly and avoid potential damage. You never know just when it will snow in the Houston area, so be prepared. Taking time to clear out the gutters can also help you identify portions of the roof that may need repairing or replaced. This can save you a lot of time and money down the road.

Make Necessary Roof Repairs

Roof repairs are always going to be cheaper than a total roof replacement. We have repaired or replaced hundreds of roofs in the Houston area, and we will always recommend a repair if it provides the homeowner the best value. We will never sell you a new roof when the life of your current roof can safely be extended.

Take the time to repair any flashing, soffit, or fascia. These are extremely important parts of the roof, but it is also largely overlooked. In addition to repairing these parts, replacing a few shingles here and there can prevent serious damage from a winter windstorm.

Schedule a Professional Inspection

Our team at 12 Stones Roofing can perform inspections designed to discover potential problems that will affect the integrity of your roofing system. Taking the time to inspect and proactively resolve any issues that endanger the lifespan or integrity of your roof can save you huge expenses and hassles later on. 

So if you’re looking to prepare your roofing system for the next winter, call us today at 832-815-9463 or through our website to schedule an inspection and get a customized checklist for your fall roof maintenance.