4 Best Maintenance Practices for the Fall Season

Fall arrives in a few weeks’ time. This means you have to start planning your roof maintenance in preparation for the colder months ahead. In this blog, your local roof repair and installation contractor CQ Construction shares roofing maintenance practices for the fall season.

1. Clean Your Gutters — Many people consider gutters as a separate system, but neglected gutters can have drastic effects on the roof. Overflowing rainwater, for instance, can seep into the roof edge and cause roof leaks. It’s easier to have the gutters professionally cleaned. If you elect to do it yourself, make sure you practice safety precautions, such as using a stable ladder and using cleaning gloves when scooping out debris. Flush out remaining dirt with a garden hose, then scrape and reapply sealant after the gutters are dry.

2. Inspect Your Roof — You can perform a thorough roof inspection without climbing the roof by simply taking out a pair of binoculars on a clear day. Inspect every inch of the roof and take notes. Problems such as missing shingles and flashing, dents, cracks and curling shingles should be repaired by a roofing professional. If you prefer a more high-tech route, you can use an HD camera mounted on a remote-controlled drone. You can review the footage later with your roofing contractor, who will help you come up with a repair and maintenance plan.

3. Inspect the Attic — Your roof should be inspected inside as well as out. Take a flashlight and climb into the attic. Pay special attention to the rafters and structural parts and look out for water stains, which would indicate a leak. Insulation may also form clumps, another indicator of a leaking roof. Also, if the attic feels warm and humid, it may not be getting proper airflow. Consult your roofing contractor about your options to address attic insulation issues.

4. Trim the Trees Around Your Home — If, during your inspection, you found tree branches that are too close to the roofing surface, have them trimmed. Sharp tree branches can poke at the roofing surface and strip the roof’s outer protective layer. You can hire a local arborist to safely trim the branches without harming the tree itself.

CQ Construction is one of the leading roofing contractors in Okaloosa County. Give us a call at (850) 634-4007 or fill out our contact form. We serve customers in Fort Walton Beach, FL, and surrounding areas.