The leaves are turning our favorite warm colors and the wind’s getting a bit cooler. Not only is this the perfect time to grab a sweater and a cup of hot chocolate, but it’s also the perfect time to have your home’s exterior examined. There are several reasons to get your roof, siding and gutters serviced before winter. What’s worse than raking leaves on a cool autumn day? Discovering that right before the first snow, your home’s roofing system is on it’s last leg. Keep reading to see the benefits of getting ahead on your roofing, siding and gutters before winter makes its way.
Roofing
If your roof is more than 15 years old, you most definitely want to have it inspected, and you may consider replacing all or parts of it. Getting ahead on this prevents further expenses from the damage a leak could cause. If your neighborhood is no stranger to hailstorms, you may be on the lookout for small tears and holes in your shingles, which could lead to leaks.
Check your attic’s insulation to prevent ice dams from forming on the roof. This happens when heat escapes your home, melting and refreezing the ice and snow on your roof. Make sure your attic is properly ventilated; this allows cold air into your attic, which aids in prevention from ice dams and further damage. Expecting a lot of snow? Invest in a roof rake to clear off heavy snow pileups. Your roof can handle about 4 feet of fresh snow before it becomes stressed.
Gutters
Clear gutters are integral in draining water away from your roof and your house. We recommend cleaning your gutters at least twice a year, but time has a way of escaping us all. It’s important to know that clogged gutters in the cooler months are more likely to freeze and create blockage. From there, melting ice and snow can seep into your roof, flood your home’s foundation and lead to more damage. To prevent this from happening, take time to clear your gutters of leaves, sticks and other debris in the fall. While cleaning, inspect your gutters for damage. You may find rusted holes, dents, etc. You may be able to patch and reseal these areas, but if the damage is extensive, you may consider a new gutter system.
Siding
After being exposed to harsh weather elements over time, vinyl becomes brittle and weak. The average lifespan of vinyl siding is 10-15 years. If your home’s siding is approaching its end, your best bet is to take care of this before the cold strikes. This helps your home remain warm during the time of service, prevents moisture and mold from seeping in, and ultimately, saves you money. Imagine having to replace vinyl siding panels during installation due to them snapping and breaking? Not fun, right? Installing your siding in the fall is the perfect proactive decision to combat this mishap.
Don’t need any replacements? Don’t forget to give your siding a fresh cleaning. As grime and dirt builds up throughout the year, you don’t want to carry that into the colder months, only to find it even more difficult to clean once spring rolls back around.
Ready to get the ball rolling? Schedule your free inspection with Aspen today!