Fall is coming, and it’s time to prepare the yard and the house for winter. The pool is closed, the patio furniture is moved in, the leaves are raked, and the roof is given a thorough inspection.

To maximize the life of your roof, you should do a spring cleaning and especially a fall cleaning/inspection to prevent minor problems from becoming big.

As a first step, take a tour of the interior, giving you some valuable clues to potential malfunctions.

Clean and inspect the attic

Some warning signs of trouble are visible from the inside. They are simple to identify.

1. Abnormal condensation on the studs and ceiling.

Brown rings, water drips, and mold are indicative of infiltration. It is important to find the source and fix the problem quickly. Don’t allow mold to grow, and be sure to clean up any stains caused by it. Some molds are harmful to your health.

2. No or inadequate insulation

Insulation is essential to keep the heat in and maximize your roof’s performance. Remove any wool or insulation products contaminated by water and moisture and replace them with sound materials.

3. Poor ventilation

Your roof’s ventilation plays a key role in the formation of heat islands in the summer and energy loss in the winter. Fixing this problem before winter will save you money on heating costs.

4. Light

The attic of your home should be dark as night. If you see daylight anywhere, there is a problem that needs to be addressed immediately.

Cleaning the roof on the outside

1. Sweep and empty the gutters

After the leaves have fallen, it is essential to clear the roof and gutters of any objects, branches, or leaves to get a clear view of the roof and allow the gutters to do their job properly.

2. Inspect the joints

All chimneys, skylights, and fittings should be inspected to ensure that there is no water infiltration. Over time, sealant joints can dry out and crack.

3. Deal with mold and algae

When a roof is mainly in the shade or a tree branch settles on it, a layer of brown-black moss or algae will form on the shingles. There is only one way to get rid of it: clean it with a soft bristle brush and a soap specially designed for roofing. Ideally, you should consult a specialist for this cleaning, as there is a high chance of damaging the roof if certain precautions are not taken.

If you want to do it yourself, first protect the vegetation on the ground, then scrape off the moss, taking care not to damage the shingles, spray with an algaecide soap, and, unless otherwise advised, rinse with water from the top down.

4. Replace broken shingles.

Be vigilant and replace any shingles that are curling or have abnormalities.

5. Inspect elastomeric membrane welds

If you find a defective seam on your membrane, consult a specialist. Do not improvise a repair because you cannot install any caulking on it without risking deteriorating your membrane.

Always keep in mind that many accidents are attributable to poor roof security. Be careful when you climb on it.

A thorough cleaning and inspection of your roof in the fall will give you peace of mind all winter long. While it is possible to do roof repairs in the winter, it is always wiser to be proactive.

Do you have any questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us for a free estimate and more information. At Toiture Union, we have the expertise, and we can offer you several services that we customize to your needs.