Fall-Proof Your Roof: Essential Tips for Illinois Homeowners

With the summer months coming to an end, it is time to fall-proof your roof! Illinois homeowners are well aware of how harsh our autumn and winter months can be, which means that many roofs will be put under a heavy strain. This is why it is so important to prepare our roofs for the months to come, making sure there is minimal damage and avoiding hefty repair costs. Below we will discuss essential tips on how homeowners can prepare their roofs and make sure that they are ready to tackle the upcoming months.

Inspect for Damage

During the summer season, many Illinois residents experienced heavy hail and thunderstorms; therefore, it is important to inspect your roof and see if there is any damage that was caused. Some important things to keep in mind and look for is missing or damaged shingles, which can be caused by high winds and hail, or if there are any cracks or leaks. Something to keep in mind when looking for hail damage is that it could be hard to spot – so here is a few things to look for. If you see any dents or dings on your shingles, or any discoloration such as dark, small spots – it usually means that your roof has suffered some degree of hail damage. It is important to catch any damage to your roof right away, this way any repairs that need to be done can be completed before the cold weather ensues.

Clean Off Debris

During the inspection of your roof, if you notice that debris such as, leaves, twigs, and dirt has accumulated, it is important to clean it off. Debris will prevent any water flowing off of your roof and cause damage, such as leaks, rotting, and even interior damage to your home. There are many ways that debris can be removed from your roof; however, it will all depend on the what kind and how much debris is present. One of the most common ways to get leaves and twigs removed is using a leaf blower. If you are unable to effectively remove all of the debris from your roof, we recommend hiring a professional roof cleaning company so you can be sure that your roof is ready to tackle the fall and winter season.

Clear Overhanging Branches

While it is important to clean up any fallen branches from your roof, it is equally important to clear any overhanging branches as well. Trimming them will prevent them from falling onto your roof during high winds or storms and causing costly damage to your roof – such as, cracks, splits, holes, and water damage. While some branches are easily removed, others not so much – which is why we recommend that if you are unsure or don’t feel comfortable removing the branches yourself, hiring a professional tree trimming service might be your best option.

Check Attic Ventilation

Many homeowners overlook the importance of proper attic ventilation, which is why ensuring that your attic has proper ventilation will prevent any moisture buildup and mold growth. This is important for the overall health of not just your home but any occupants as well. One of the best ways to check your attic ventilation is to place a thermometer, one that also measure moisture, and monitor it for a couple of days. This will help you determine how affective your attics insulation and ventilation is. With many cold months soon to come, proper ventilation will also help to regulate the temperature in your home and potentially lower your electricity bills as well.

Schedule a Professional Inspection

While homeowners have the ability to inspect their roofs, we always recommend hiring a professional roofing company to check out your roof and make sure it is ready for the fall and winter season. The roofing contractor will conduct a thorough inspection of your roof and provide recommendations for repairs and maintenance. Naperville Roofing and Construction has over 25 years of experience repairing roofs all around the Chicagoland suburbs. If you wish to have your roof inspected to make sure that it is ready to tackle the upcoming season, don’t hesitate to contact us today!