Fall is a beautiful season in East Tennessee. Crisp air, golden foliage and college football combine to create a collage of color and excitement that is unrivaled anywhere. But, with each changing season, Mother Nature brings a new set of challenges that can impact Knoxville area homeowners.
This is particularly true when it comes to your roof. Think of the withering heat of summer, the biting winter wind and snow and the turbulent storms of spring. The fall brings its own hazards in the form of leaves and other debris that can clog gutters and collect on your roof, trapping moisture and threatening damaging mold.
Protecting your roof requires keeping a close watch for these threats and, where needed, taking proactive steps to prevent damage. It’s important to clear your roof of tree branches, leaves, and other debris that can hold moisture and eventually mold or rot, which could cause shingles and roofing material to deteriorate.
Use a broom or blower to remove debris. Look for and trim any low-lying branches or those that hang over the edge of your roof. This will help prevent moisture and debris from resting against or collecting on the rooftop. Remember to use caution: Be aware of and careful around any power lines near your home’s roof.
After clearing debris, check the surface for any signs of damage. Look for broken, missing, or curled shingles and repair or replace them right away. If you find significant flaws, have a qualified roofer inspect the area to determine whether you may need a roof replacement.
Also, check the flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights. Flashing directs water away from those vulnerable areas of the roof, so be sure it is in good working condition.
Debris from your rooftop often ends up in your gutters, which creates clogs and prevents the system from properly draining water. Rainwater can then overflow and damage your roof, siding, and trim boards. If the gutters become too heavy from rain-soaked debris and standing water, the system may start to pull loose or even collapse.
Save yourself from potentially expensive repairs by clearing the gutters throughout the fall. Once the trees around your home have lost their leaves, do another thorough cleaning to ensure the channels are unobstructed.
Need help with a roof inspection or repair? Under the experienced leadership of Matt Garrett, Garrett Construction and Roofing has been serving the East Tennessee area since 2005. We are a licensed General Contractor, and our general services range from full residential and commercial construction projects to remodeling, painting, drywall, roofing and gutters. We also help with disaster recovery with experienced teams available to address fire and water damage.
CONTACT GARRETT CONSTRUCTION AND ROOFING TODAY | KNOXVILLE’S ROOFING EXPERTS
