When the beautiful autumn weather brings fall leaves, Northern Virginia becomes picturesque. Unfortunately, if these leaves aren’t cleared adequately from your roof, they can cause severe damage. That’s why homeowners need to prepare for the change of season to protect them against water damage, roof sagging, mold growth, and more.
In this blog, the roofing experts at S&K Roofing discuss the dangers of leaves and debris on your roof and five simple steps to prevent roof damage this season.
Impact of Leaves & Debris on Your Roof
Your roof is your first line of defense against the elements. That’s why regular roof maintenance is necessary to protect your home, property, and family. Part of this maintenance is to remove any buildup of leaves and debris that can lead to a wide range of issues with your roof.
Leaves can trap rain and moisture, creating a damp environment where mold, mildew, and moss thrive. This puts excess weight on the structure of your roof and causes stress and sagging. Clogged gutters that can’t properly remove water from your roof can lead to leaks and water damage.
5 Steps Homeowners Can Take To Prevent Roof Damage: Tips
To avoid costly roof damage this fall, follow these key roof maintenance tips to ensure that leaves and debris don’t cause serious issues with your roofing materials.
Maintain Your Gutters
Your gutters help prevent damage to your roof by efficiently removing excess water that could pool and compromise your roofing material. To keep your gutters in top-notch shape, cleaning them before the fall months is critical to prevent blockages caused by leaves and debris. Installing gutter guards to prevent these dangerous clogs and the water damage they cause is also a good idea.
Trim Overhanging Branches
Trimming back unsafe tree limbs is essential in preparing your roof for the fall season. When storms and strong winds hit the area, weak branches can fall onto your roof and cause serious damage. In addition, fewer branches overhanging your roof will result in less leaf accumulation. They will also allow more sunlight to hit your roof, reducing the likelihood of mold and mildew growth.
Clean Your Roof
When leaves sit for too long on your roof, they become moist and can deteriorate your roof’s shingles. To present damage to your roof’s structural integrity, you must remove them. Not only does this allow for proper drainage of your roof, but it also uncovers any minor issues or structural problems that may otherwise go unnoticed.
Schedule Repairs
Ignoring even a minor roofing issue will only lead to more significant repairs. That’s why scheduling necessary roofing repairs before the fall weather brings rain, winds, and more is essential. If leaves and debris have resulted in any decomposition of shingles or roofing boards, address these before the problem worsens in the fall.
Get a Roof Inspection
The best way to determine the health of your roof and catch minor issues before they become major problems is to schedule a professional roof inspection. By scheduling one during the fall, an expert technician can identify and address any problems that could lead to damage in the winter. Plus, they can guide you on the maintenance necessary to prevent issues in the future.
Schedule Services With S&K Roofing Today
For all your roofing and gutter needs in Montgomery County, trust the team at S&K Roofing. Since 1980, we’ve provided outstanding one-stop shop services for home exteriors to ensure homeowners have durable and beautiful houses. We provide no-hassle sales and a worry-free guarantee for peace of mind. As your local family-owned and -operated roofing company, we’re proud to offer award-winning service!
Get your Baltimore-Washington Metro Area home ready for fall with full-service roofing care from S&K Roofing. Call our team today for an estimate!
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