Summer is almost, if not already, over, which means that it’s time to break the jackets out of the closet and layer up for fall. And similarly to how you need to prepare yourself for the harsher weather ahead, so does your home. Fall is the perfect time to do checkups on your home, as the weather has yet to become too severe to perform certain jobs. Here are 4 things you can do to make sure that your home is as ready for the winter as you are.

Clean the Gutters

One of the signature traits of fall are the leaves turning brown and falling down, and while it is beautiful to watch, it also comes with extra responsibility. When leaves and other debris fall onto your roof, it inevitably ends up in your gutters, clogging them and making rainwater overflow. In worst-case scenarios, it can cause the gutter to collapse under the weight of the debris and rainwater trapped inside. Therefore, it is recommended that you regularly clean the gutters while the leaves are falling, and once the trees around you are bare, give it one last thorough sweep before the rain starts to settle in.

Clear off Debris

Your gutters are not the only thing that needs regular cleaning. Leaves, pine needles, sticks, and other debris can get stuck on your roof as well. These small pieces of debris can get stuck in crevices and retain water or possibly mold, which will degrade your roofing material over time.

If you have previous experience with roofs in the past, or are simply on the more adventurous side, you can climb up on the rooftop and blow the debris off. Pay special attention to the valleys of the roof, where debris is more likely to reside.

Check for Damages and Deterioration

While you are on the roof, check for cracked, warped and/or missing shingles. If you can’t get onto the roof, observe from the ground with binoculars.

Also check for damaged flashing around vent stacks, skylights, and chimneys. Broken flashing tends to be more responsible for leaks than shingles themselves, so you want to pay special attention to them.

Attic Insulation and Ventilation

Beyond shielding your home from the elements outside, roofing also serves the purpose of controlling the climate inside, making sure that hot air doesn’t get in during the summer months, or escape during the winter months. If either happens, it can result in increased electricity bills, as it will take more energy to regulate the temperature. Make sure that your roof doesn’t have any leaks or cracks to prevent this.

If you follow these tips and find a problem with your roof, don’t wait! Contact us for an inspection to see what your roof needs!