Fall is Just Around the Corner, Here are 4 Tips to Get Your Roof Ready!

Summer is coming to an end soon – can you believe it?! The kids only have a few more weeks of freedom and sleeping in; then that old routine will get started back up. What that means to you as a homeowner is that the rainy season of fall will soon return, too.

Fall is a beautiful, magical season, but it is also often a cold, wet season. So, as you’re getting the
back-to-school shopping started, it is also time to get your home ready, starting with the roof. Here are four things you can do before that cold, wet weather hits to prep your home:

Gutter Cleaning

All summer long, debris and leaves have collected in your gutters, and if they are left to sit there,
they create a block to the downspouts. When the downspouts are blocked, rain water will simply overflow the gutters and back up under the shingles, down the siding, and puddle up at the foundation.

As the gutters take on that added weight, it can cause them to break loose, too. A routine of cleaning your gutters can prevent these types of things from happening. If you haven’t had them installed already, check into having gutter guards installed.

Clear the Roof of Debris

While you’re up there cleaning the gutters, clear the roof of any debris, leaves, and limbs, too. Paying special attention to the peaks where the roof meets. When stuff is allowed to sit there, it will hold moisture and in time, start to mold and rot the roof.

If you see any moss on the roof, clean it off with a cleaning agent that is safe for the environment and a broom, then rinse with clear water.

Damage and Deterioration

Once you have cleaned the roof, you’ll be able to look for any cracked or missing shingles or shingles that are have curled or starting to fray. If needed, use binoculars and check for those things from the ground.

Check the flashing around chimneys, skylights, and vent stacks, too. Many leaks reported to contractors begin in these areas. By repairing them as you find them, you can save yourself a lot of expenses and headaches later.

Insulation and Ventilation

A roof protects you from the elements and to do that properly, it needs adequate airflow and ventilation. Hot air gets caught up in the attic, and it is moist. So without that airflow and
ventilation, that hot, moist air will build condensation. That will start to mildew and grow mold.

So, while cleaning and inspecting your roof, make sure that your attic is well insulated and that the vents are intact and working. This will also help your energy bills too!

Asphalt or Tile Roof - Which is the Best for Your Home?

When it comes time to replace your home’s roof, there are many options to choose from these days. The first thing you’ll need to decide on is which of the two popular types of roofing material do you want - asphalt shingles or concrete tiles. Both of these materials have their advantages and their disadvantages. Take the time to study both and then take careful consideration which ones are better suited for your home.

Less Expensive

The basic asphalt shingles are less expensive, thus their popularity. The initial cost of asphalt is a little bit higher than the concrete tile, but overall, they are very common, popular and get the job done.

Less Heat

For areas that are in a hot climate, concrete tiles are popular because they don’t hold heat as much as the asphalt shingles do, which in turn, lowers your cooling bill.

Easier Installation and Repair

The easier and safer installation is another reason more people choose asphalt shingles. This makes the installation faster, too. Concrete tiles become brittle quicker, and they require more care while installing, which slows down the process of installation.

More Wind Resistant

Concrete tile is better at withstanding higher winds than asphalt shingles because they are
heavier. While there is not any roofing material that can be 100% guaranteed to withstand anything and everything that Mother Nature brings to us, asphalt shingles aren’t as secured and are more likely to be blown away by a heavy wind.

There are pros and cons to asphalt shingles and concrete tile roofing, but at the end of the day, it is the homeowner that needs to decide which is better for their home and their budget.