Repairing the roof now, or even booking a roof replacement helps protect against leaks and the damage winter weather can do to a roofing system. Fall’s milder temperatures are the perfect time for roof repairs. After cleaning the gutters this season, don’t forget the roof – it protects everything that’s important to you.
Hire a Pro Roofer
If you haven’t had a roof inspection done by a professional roofing contractor for at least five years, fall is a good time to have one done. A pro roofer can spot potential problem areas that might not be immediately apparent to a homeowner. The contractor will inspect all components of the roof, including the gutters, downspouts, shingles, and flashings. He or she will also give you a list of repairs in order of priority and how much each item will cost to repair or replace.
Fewer Storms
While November can see it’s share of active wind and heavy rain storms, the temperatures are milder and the storms not as severe as they are in December and January. Fall is an ideal time for roof repairs and roof replacements, especially for asphalt roofs when the cooler temperatures won’t affect asphalt roofing shingles like they would during summer heat or winter cold.
Moss Removal
If moss is growing on your roof, you will want to remove it before the heavy rains set in. Moss acts essentially like a sponge, soaking up moisture and trapping it under shingles and flashings. Runoff from the roof can take clumps of moss with it, forming clogs in the gutter system. Removing moss from a roof in the fall allows water to run freely over the surface of the shingles into the gutters and out through the downspouts.
Deterring Pests
Pests such as squirrels, mice, rats, beetles, and birds look for warm places to weather out winter. Damaged, missing, or curling shingles; cracks in the soffit; and excess moisture on roof fascia can leave gaps that allow pests looking for shelter to enter through the attic. Make repairs in the cooler fall weather to deter little critters from invading your home.
Prevents Winter Repairs
Including roof inspections and repairs in the fall is cost-effective. When repairs or roof replacements keep getting delayed, they don’t go away on their own (unfortunately). Addressing roof damage in the fall is preferable to dealing with emergency roofing issues in the winter.
Prepares Your Roof for Spring
While spring and summer might seem like the ideal time for home maintenance and roof repairs, these seasons have their own challenges. Spring showers, surprise snowfalls, and other types of unpredictable weather can interrupt scheduled work, causing delays, shifting deadlines, and increased labour costs. In summer, seasonal heat and high humidity often make roofing materials difficult to work with and can affect their longevity and durability. Tackling roof repairs or replacing shingles in the fall means it doesn’t have to be done in spring or summer.
Extended Lifespan
Fall roof repairs ensures your roof is ready to for the rain and snow storms of winter in the lower mainland. Doing repairs or a roof replacement now extends the life span of the roofing system. Replacing damaged shingles prevents moisture buildup which is the major cause of wood rot, leaks outside and inside your home, and structural failure.
