Autumn Roof Inspection and Repair

When the winds become harsher, and the weather feels drier, you realize winter is practically here. It is the time of the year when you button up your home to protect it from the chill the same way you wear a hoodie to keep the cold from affecting you.

You can begin by seasonal repair and maintenance of your roof.

Why is Roof Maintenance Essential?

The roof is a big deal, and it just cannot be forgotten. A visual check from the ground is not enough. You might not even be able to see the obvious problems from ground level.  It is recommended you or a professional goes up on the roof to inspect it properly.

Minor issues left unhandled and delayed can turn into stressful circumstances. For example, tiny holes or missing shingles can make your roof vulnerable. It will provide a space for the moisture to enter your home that can ruin paint, carpets, furniture, and even your electronic appliances. At first, you might only notice some slight discoloration on your ceiling, but as time passes, it starts to look like a water stain and then boom your roof starts leaking.

The routine maintenance and repairs can strengthen and extend the life of your roof. So even if your roof does not seem problematic, give it a check, it will not cost you a fortune but can surely save you one.

Why is the Autumn Season Ideal?

Here in Northern California, autumn marks the time after the windy season, and it is the ideal chance to assess any damage that may have occurred. The approaching winter rains can worsen the weight on an already compromised roof and can cause costly damage.

Roof repairs and preventive maintenance are more accessible to do in the fall months rather than during cold winter months, so make this a tradition every autumn. It is a great time to make sure that your roof is properly sealed and maintained before the winter rains arrive. The majority of roofs can handle all kinds of storms, hail, or rain, but there is always some wear and tear. The longer you delay roof repairs, the worse the damage will get.

We have listed some of the most common and essential things that you need to take care of during your roof inspection and repair process.

Shingles & Tiles

Inspect your roof visually and look for any missing or damaged shingles and tiles. Be sure to examine if they are installed correctly and functioning properly. Shingles curl and crack with their age, and winds shift tiles. Missing shingles and tiles let the rainwater begin soaking into the roof, and your roof is left vulnerable. Check with San Lorenzo Lumber's roofing professionals for a recommendation of replacement shingles and other products.  Make repairs to your loose shingles and tiles while checking for other problems, including underlying materials that may require a replacement or repair. If you need to replace your roll roofing paper, consider products from from DuPoint or Protecto Wrap.  Also, check for the flashing around skylights and pipes, if you have any leaks or gaps, rainwater will find its way inside your home. San Lorenzo Lumber also carries many roof adhesives, coatings, fabrics, and sealants from companies like Henry, Gaco and Through the Roof!

Roof Leaks

You can inspect leaks in the roof from discoloration, mold, and water running down from the ceiling inside the home. Identify the source and repair the leaks. Do it yourself, or you can call a professional if your roof is steep, more than two stories high, or even if you do not have the right tools or the knowledge of roof repair.

Overhanging Tree Branches

Tree branches can fall on your roof and cause damage, especially when there’s heavy snow, wind, and rain. The pouring storm can thrash limbs around or pull them from the tree entirely onto the roof structure resulting in substantial damage. Along with that, you may also be inviting animals like raccoons, squirrels, or rats to visit your roof. If you want to avoid these situations, cut, or trim any tree branches overhanging the rooftop so that there is no damage during a rainstorm.

Cleaning the Chimney

Do not ignore the chimney situation on your rooftop. Professionals say that chimney inspection is due at least once a year to find any blockages in the shaft and removing debris. The removal of creosote is also essential to prevent a risky fire into your home through the channel. Alongside, be sure that the chimney is covered from the top so that there is no entry to wildlife.

Cleaning the Gutters

Regularly check and clean the gutters. Make sure that the gutter system is unblocked by any collection of leaves, debris, and bugs because they create a clog very quickly. When the season changes, the tree leaves also change from beautiful yellow to orange and then reds before falling off the trees, ending up in the gutters around your space. When the rain pours, and water overflows the gutter, it damages the roof trim and siding, which adds more weight, causing gutters to pull loose and eventually collapse. Clogged drains are also one of the significant causes of ice dams, which again cause expensive damages to the roof.

San Lorenzo Lumber offers a broad selection of replacement gutter materials including downspouts, connectors, gutter guards, and strainers from manufacturers such as Frost King, Gutterstuff, Amerimax and Able Sheet Metal.

So, when the leaves fall, ensure to clean your gutters, or consider installing gutter guards to prevent the debris from invading in the first place.  

These are the Roof Repairs Every Home Eventually Needs.

If you have any questions about roof repair, gutter service, damaged shingles, chimney repair, tree trimming, roof maintenance, or home improvements, contact us. We will be happy to help you with the best solutions for your home.

We know that roofing maintenance can be a daunting task to do and finding the right company for it just doubles the weight. San Lorenzo Lumber has been in business for over 80 years, which means we have seen it all, and we can fix it all for you. Please request a quote or give us a call!

We Look Forward to Becoming your Roofing Partner for a Lifetime!

For more information, visit one of our San Lorenzo Lumber and Home Centers locations and speak with the pros.  They will give you the assistance you need.  For more information, browse our website at https://www.sanlorenzolumber.com/