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MOUNTAIN VIEW — As autumn advances toward winter, it’s a good time to do some preventative roof maintenance in anticipation of the rainy season. Start by clearing leaves, tree branches and other debris off of your roof, paying special attention to valleys and other areas where debris can collect and cause leaks. Next, thoroughly clean out your gutters and downspouts. If neglected, your gutter system can become clogged with debris, which can result in damage to your roof, siding and windows.
After cleaning your roof and gutters, inspect your roof’s various waterproofing components. This includes seals and flashings around roof penetrations like pipes and vents. Since the summer heat can cause these to wear out prematurely, it’s important to verify their condition and replace any that are worn out—otherwise, you may end up with an unexpected leak in the middle of winter.
This annual roof maintenance will go a long way toward preventing clogs, leaks and subsequent damage to your home. However, using tall ladders and climbing on your roof is dangerous, so if you don’t feel comfortable performing maintenance yourself, call a local contractor to handle it for you. Remember, spending a few hundred dollars for maintenance is well worth preventing thousands of dollars in damage to your home.