Fall is a great time of year. The cooler weather in Northern Virginia makes activities more enjoyable, and longer nights give us more time for stargazing. But fall is also a good time to take stock of your roof and perform any needed maintenance. This will protect your home from the ravages of winter snow and ice and keep your home’s value from dropping. If your roof needs repairs or you are considering roofing replacement in Woodbridge VA, fall is a perfect time to consult a roofing contractor.
Here are a few tips to keep your roof in the best shape it can be:
Consult A Professional For A Pre-Winter Roof Inspection
It’s not always easy to spot problems with your roof. That’s why it’s a good idea to hire a roofing contractor who specializes in roofing replacement in Woodbridge VA. They can inspect your roof and spot potential problems before winter arrives. This will allow you to fix problems before they become emergencies. After all, a leaking roof in January is no fun. It’s much easier to make repairs to your roof in the fall when there is no ice or snow to worry about.
Be Sure To Check Your Attic
Problems with your roof are not always obvious to the untrained eye. That’s why it’s especially important to inspect your roof from the inside of your house. Your attic can often lead you to potential issues that may be missed from the outside. To begin, check the underside of your roof’s sheathing for signs of water leaks. These will appear as discolored or dark stains and may also be visible on the walls and floor. Check for any signs of mold and mildew as well, and don’t forget to look for warped wood. Make sure your attic insulation is in good condition to get the maximum heat retention during the cold winter months. Feeling overwhelmed? No problem. A professional roofing contractor will know exactly what to look for and can help you spot trouble areas.
Inspect, Clean & Fix Gutters
You may not think of your gutters as part of your roof, but they are an important component. Gutters provide necessary drainage and direct rain and snow melt water off of your roof and safely away from your home. In the fall, however, falling leave, twigs, and branches can often clog downspouts and block horizontal runs. When this happens ice dams become more likely to develop once the temperature drops. Ice dams frequently cause considerable extensive damage to your home. To prevent them, consider hiring a professional in roofing replacement in Woodbridge VA to:
- Inspect your gutters for damage
- Clean out leaves and debris
- Check for leaks
- Make sure downspouts clear
- Repair The Edges Of Your Roof Where Gutters Attach
Trim Back Nearby Trees
You might be wondering what trees have to do with your roof, and that’s a fair question. As the trees around your home begin to encroach, they create an increased hazard for falling branches. Strong winter winds can snap weak branches causing them to fall onto your home and damage your roof or gutters. This can be easily avoided by trimming back branches and trees in the fall so they do not present a danger to your home later. Bonus: If you trim early in the fall, you can minimize the number of leaves falling into and clogging your gutters.
As you can see, fall roof maintenance is an essential part of keeping your home in good condition and ready for the coming winter. MidAtlantic Contracting specializes in roofing replacement in Woodbridge VA and has built a trusted reputation in the community. Call us for a no-obligation estimate today at 703-492-4663, or visit us on the web at MAContracting.com. We’ll assess your home’s roof and give you affordable options to keep it in great shape for years to come.