Fall is Here in Lake Oswego
October brings with it some of our favorite autumn activities: pumpkin carving, warm drinks to sip, and watching the leaves change. When autumn arrives, many homeowners are reminded of the impending winter. Make sure to hire a reputable roofing contractor to perform any exterior maintenance related to the gutters or the roof to avoid personal injury or further damage to the home.
Exterior Maintenance
The exterior of a house is its first defense against the elements. Ensuring that the exterior, such as the roof and siding, is sound goes a long way toward keeping the family safe and warm this winter.
Gutter Maintenance
After the leaves have fallen, make sure to completely clear the gutters. Overflowing gutters can result in unnecessary strain on both the home’s roof and siding. Make sure that every gutter attaches securely to the house. Loose gutters can lead to roof damage, so make sure to take care of any issues promptly. Do not attempt to clean the gutters alone. Instead, hire a professional gutter contractor to come out and clean those gutters and downspouts to get them ready for winter.
Roof Maintenance
A roof should never be overlooked despite its position. Well-maintained roofs keep homes warm and safe during the winter. Make sure to do the following before the winter to keep that roof in prime shape.
Have a Professional Assess the Structure
A roof’s framework is crucial to its functionality. If the roof starts to sag, water and other debris can accumulate and put undue stress on the house. Make sure to hire a professional roofing contractor to perform an inspection every year.
Check the Flashing
Make sure the roofing contractor looks at the roof’s flashing during their inspection. The area where the flashing meets the roof is one of the most common spots for leaks. If the seal has loosened, make sure to re-seal the area to keep moisture out. Additionally, ensure that this area is checked after any violent storms as they can sometimes knock the flashing loose.
Examine the Shingles
Do not go up on the roof alone. Have a roofing contractor inspect the roof’s shingles and replace any loose or missing ones. Watch out for shingles that show signs of curling or missing granules. These shingles should be replaced immediately. A professional roofer can replace shingles easily.
Clear the Debris
Over the summer and fall, leaves and other debris can accumulate on the roof. Inspect the roof’s valleys to remove any debris there. Otherwise, the roof experiences unnecessary strain.
Replace Sealant
Ask the roofing contractor to inspect any areas where antennas or plumbing stacks meet the roof. Over time, sealant gets old and cracks. Replace the sealant to ensure the roof stays protected throughout the winter.
Check the Chimney
While a roofing contractor may not be able to perform masonry work on the chimney if needed, he or she can tell homeowners if any issues such as missing pieces or mortar or loose bricks occur. Be sure to ask the roofing company if they can perform brickwork if the home has a chimney.
Examine the Attic
Homeowners often neglect to check the attic during a roof inspection. However, it’s necessary to properly insulate the attic so that the home doesn’t lose its heat. Make sure that the insulation is distributed evenly to avoid skyrocketing utility bills during the winter. Additionally, if the attic doesn’t have enough insulation, warm air can get trapped underneath the roof’s shingles. This trapped warm air causes ice dams, which can significantly harm the roof and reduce its usable life.
Keep a Close Eye on the Roof
Throughout the winter, it’s critical to observe the roof, especially after heavy winter storms. If a homeowner suspects any issue with their roof, they should call a professional roofing contractor to examine the damage. Do not attempt to get on the roof during the winter or attempt any repairs, there’s a high risk of bodily injury and further damage to the roof. Make repairs before big storms to ensure the family’s warmth and safety.
Siding Maintenance
During the spring and summer, debris such as dirt and pollen accumulates. Additionally, bugs like to nest in the crevices of a home’s siding. Make sure to thoroughly clean the home’s siding to prevent moisture and unwanted hibernating critters entering the house during the winter.
Additionally, examine the siding for any holes or cracks. If a homeowner notices any cracks in their house’s siding, he or she should make sure to fix them as soon as possible. Air leaks and excess moisture damages the home if not addressed immediately. If the damage is too extensive or complicated to repair alone, hire a siding contractor before winter comes.
Landscaping Maintenance
Make sure to clear any overgrown shrubs, trees, or plants away from the exterior of the home. Ice and snow drip off of nearby plants and can result in the formation of ice dams on the roof. Additionally, the dripping water can result in siding damage if it’s continually exposed to moisture.
Preparation is Crucial
Making sure to perform these acts of maintenance on the house’s exterior can prevent costly repairs in the future. Keep the family safe and comfortable this winter by preparing for the worst while expecting the best, as the old adage goes.
How Can We Help?
Here at Precision Roofing & Gutters, we understand that our customers and their safety come first. We have decades of combined experience in both roofing and gutter contracting services, and we are dedicated to providing high-quality installation and repair services to our clients. We are locally owned and operated and we are more than prepared to take care of any roofing or gutter needs in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Call today for an estimate and to find out how we can help prepare your home for another Pacific Northwest winter!