Fall in Maryland brings out some of the best weather in the state, with pleasant temperatures in the 70s to 80s during the day, gorgeous foliage, and a lot less rain than over the summer. Well, maybe just a thunderstorm or two.
Visiting a pumpkin patch, an orchard, or a corn maze might be high on your list of activities, but don’t forget about seasonal roof maintenance.
At Benchmark Roofers, we understand why homeowners can’t help but think of the lawn and the landscaping during the fall—we’re raking leaves at our homes, too! But roof maintenance in the fall helps prevent damage during the winter when we’ll be dealing with slush, sleet, snow, and ice. This damage could lead to needing professional roof replacement.
Icicles and frost fingers might look pretty in pictures dangling from your roof, but all that moisture can cause serious problems with leaks and warped shingles. Even trees near your home can hold potential troubles for your roof over the winter.
Here are some must-do fall maintenance tips for your roof.
Get a Professional Inspection
While you might be able to spot some roof problems from the ground—or while you’re hanging seasonal lights in a couple of weeks—a professional roofer has a more experienced eye. Our certified roofing experts are trained to detect subtle issues that the average homeowner tends to miss.
For instance, winter winds and hail can cause indentations or “bruises” to asphalt shingles, compromising their protection and durability. Extreme temperatures make shingles contract and expand as well as crack, allowing water to seep underneath.
If your roof isn’t properly ventilated, heat from the attic can cause shingles to lift and curl. Is your roof more than 10 to 15 years old? Even if your shingles have a longer lifespan, they’re prone to leaks once they begin flaking. A biannual or annual roof inspection helps prevent larger and pricier problems down the line.
Get Any Damage Fixed
A new roof costs an average of $7,500. Regular roof maintenance ensures that your roof lasts for decades, just as you were promised when you had it installed.
That includes repairs to your roof flashing, fascia, and soffits. These components are just as important to ensure that moisture can’t enter your attic as your primary roofing materials.
As we mentioned, adequate ventilation and protection from moisture are two common preventative maintenance tasks. If you have some damaged shingles, our professional roofing contractors can replace them so that the roof looks and functions like new.
Replacing a 10×10-foot square of asphalt shingles typically costs just a few hundred dollars—a reasonably low cost for peace of mind during winter storms.
Clean Gutters and Trim Trees
Those leaves that pile up in your yard can do a lot of damage to your roof. For starters, leaves trap moisture beneath them, which can seep into and beneath the shingles, causing roof leaks.
Leaves and other tree debris also clog gutters, preventing rain and melting ice and snow from running off your roof. Mildew and mold can spread under the eaves from this undrained water.
What’s more, an ice dam might form as a result of snow melting and meeting the icier sections in the gutter that haven’t moved. That water can seep into the shingles, decking, sheathing, and rafting, even affecting your interior walls.
Overhanging branches can rub against and scratch your roof’s shingles. Squirrels and other wildlife can use branches to access your roof, as well, possibly causing additional damage or finding their way into a warm attic. Strong winds and heavy snow can snap branches, which can also damage your roof or other parts of your home.
At Benchmark Roofers, we know how to identify potential problems and provide comprehensive gutter maintenance and repairs, including a flush and cleaning of your home’s gutters. While they may not seem that important, your gutters help your roof provide your home, your family, and your belongings with top-notch protection.
Contact Our Team at Benchmark Roofers
Whether your roof has asphalt shingles, designer shingles, metal roofing, cedar shingles, or otherwise, our team can provide you with reliable fall maintenance services to ensure your roof makes it through the winter in one piece.
We only work with the highest quality materials for installation and replacement, no matter the size of the roof. We’ve served Maryland customers for decades and can provide comprehensive roofing services for both residential and commercial properties, assessing shingles, roof flashing, chimneys, and gutters.
Don’t let minor eyesores like dark spots, black streaks, buckling or curling shingles, exposed nails, or unsightly gutters grow into a costly problem. Need a roof replacement before winter hits? Call us today at (443) 454-1293 to schedule a consultation and receive a free estimate for the roofing needs your home needs this fall.
