You may be grateful to have a roof over your head but are you taking care of it, or are you just telling itself it’s probably fine? Roof maintenance is expensive, inconvenient and sometimes requires professional work. It’s tempting to ignore it, but there’s no denying that it’s necessary. Don’t wait for disaster to strike before you pay attention to the roof over your head.
In the Fall, Prepare for Winter
Fall maintenance, such as cleaning the gutters, is going to be about preparing your roof for the coming snow and ice. Make sure you have roof snow removal plans and a way to deal with ice buildup. Gutters need to be clear of leaves once the leaves are done coming down. No one enjoys cleaning gutters, but it’s better to clear your gutters now than to have your clogged gutters cause snow and ice to build up on your roof.
In the Spring, Check for Damage
Among other spring cleaning and springtime household maintenance tasks, look for damage from the previous winter. Check the gutters again: if you missed cleaning them in the fall, you may have put stress on your roof over the winter. And if you had an unusually snowy or icy winter, there may be unusual amounts of strain or damage. Look for signs of leaks and stress on the rafters and beams in the spring, so you have plenty of time to deal with the issue before next winter.
Keep an Eye on the Inside All Year Round
Remember that even a small leak may be a serious one. It may not be easy or safe to get out on your roof in the winter, but you can always check the insides for signs of wear and tear. The roof over your head is just as important as the rest of your house, perhaps even more so. You don’t want to neglect it.