Yes, as summer wanes, it is time to focus on the coming autumn and its unique challenges. If you live in Alberta, here are some reasons to prepare your house in advance. The province of Alberta is quite notorious for its unpredictable weather conditions. It has strong winds that could make roof repair a necessity and unforgiving elements. With this, roof repairs and maintenance should be at the top of your fall checklist to ensure your home remains safe from all the elements.
This article will outline the 7 basic steps to prepare your roof and walls for the fall. These measures will help you avoid costly damage to your home and keep it safe and energy-efficient. Now, we will discuss these very important activities in detail, taking care to prepare your roof and walls for these coming cold months.
Why Roof Repair and Wall Maintenance Are Essential for Fall
The transition from warm summer days into cold, windy fall weather can be harsh on your home's roof and walls. If proper roof repair and wall maintenance are not done, problems with water leaks and insulation problems may arise, leading to quite costly structural repairs.
The only way to avoid such issues is to be proactive. Getting your roof repairs and wall maintenance ready before the fall can protect your home during the winter. If you’re unsure about the condition of your roof, scheduling a roof inspection with a professional is the best way to get peace of mind and avoid surprises.
Step 1 – Inspect for Hail Damage and Wear (Roof and Walls)
Alberta is familiar with hailstorms, especially around cities such as Calgary and Edmonton. Hail damage ranks among the most common causes of deterioration of roofs and walls. Many can attest that ignoring it will ensure problems persist well into the later years.
Roof Inspection
1. Check for possible hail damage: Hails can damage shingles, crack them, and even cause them to lose granules. You must check your roof for possible signs of hail damage.
2. Check for missing or damaged shingles: If gaps in the roof are missing, they can cause leaks and water damage.
3. Flashing and gutters: Damaged or clogged gutters will not let water drain properly, setting up potential problems later.
Pro Tip: Hail damage is common in Alberta. You must act as fast as possible since you see the signs of it. Book a roof repair with experts whenever you encounter any issue; otherwise, you may face greater problems later.
Wall Check
4. Check the walls for cracks and damages: These cracks allow the moisture of the walls to let mold and mildew form.
5. Siding for damages or warping: Your siding should be well-attached, and there should not be any gaps that allow water into your house.
Step 2 – Clean Your Gutters
Most major roof damages occur during the fall when the gutters get clogged. Leaves, dirt, and debris accumulate in them, disrupting the normal flow of water and resulting in standing water on the roof and around your home's foundation.
Gutter Cleaning Process:
· Clean the gutters: Rid your gutters of all kinds of debris that block them and hamper the free flow of rainwater.
· Look for damage: While cleaning, look for any signs of damage or rusting to your gutters.
· Unclog the downspouts: Ensure that the downspouts are clear of debris so that water can easily flow off your roof.
If your gutters are damaged beyond repair, it’s a good idea to get them replaced. Bulletproof Roofing offers professional gutter cleaning Alberta services to help ensure your roof stays protected.
Step 3 – Fix Loose or Missing Shingles
Missing or loose shingles are among the most common roofing issues in areas like Calgary and Edmonton, which experience unpredictable weather conditions most of the time. If left uncorrected for a long period, this may result in leakage and structural damage.
How to Fix Shingles
1. Identify loose or missing shingles: While conducting a walk-around of your house, an obvious act is to visually check the roof, looking for areas where shingles are cracked, curled, or missing from their original positions.
2. Loose shingles: Glue or nail those loose shingles with roofing nails or adhesive.
3. Replace damaged or missing shingles: Immediately replace any missing shingles to prevent leaks and damage to your roof's underlayment.
Regular maintenance and prompt roof repair can prevent the need for a full roof replacement in the future.
Step 4 – Trim Overhanging Branches
Overhanging tree branches pose a big risk to your roof, particularly during Alberta's fall and winter storms. Falling branches will inflict physical damage on the roof, increasing the chances of leaks.
Tree Trimming Tips
1. Prune the branches: Ensure none of the tree branches touch or hang over your roof.
2. Keep the roof clear: Tree branches should be kept 6 to 8 feet away from your roof.
Though trimming the trees is a minor task for many, it can prevent much roof damage.
However, though trimming trees may be a small task for many, it prevents several roof damages. If you're unsure about the condition of your roof after trimming, it’s a good idea to schedule a roof inspection.
How Trees Can Damage Your Roof in Fall and Winter
Those overhanging trees will shed leaves and branches during fall and winter; some might block the gutters or scratch the shingles. Wet leaves create damp spots that make mold and mildew growth easy. Also, large branches tend to snap in strong wind or heavy snow, thereby inflicting massive damage on your roof. Have the overhanging branches treated before the first snow sets in to avoid unexpected roof damage.
Step 5 – Improve Roof Insulation
Sufficient roof insulation will be required, ensuring that the energy efficiency has been maintained at an economical level to reduce the cost of heating whenever the months are colder. The roof's insulation prevents heat from escaping, making the home more energy efficient and reducing the energy bills.
How to Improve Roof Insulation
1. Inspect the current insulation: See first whether your roof or attic is adequately insulated.
2. Seal gaps: Locate gaps and other cracks in the insulation that provide conduits to air leakage and seal them.
3. Upgrade to energy-efficient materials: You may want to upgrade your insulation to energy-efficient materials to improve your house's energy performance further.
The temperatures during the fall are expected to be below zero. An insulation upgrade is one of the best ways for Alberta residents to ensure their roofs are prepared for this. Contact Bulletproof Roofing to learn more about improving your roof’s insulation.
Step 6 – Seal Windows and Doors
Not only does your roof provide much-needed protection, but so do the walls of your home. The sealed windows and doors help prevent drafts and moist air from entering and keep the temperature inside pleasant.
Steps to Seal Windows and Doors
1. Gaps or cracks: Check for torn areas around windows or doors where air can seep.
2. Weatherstripping: Put weatherstripping around all frames of doors and on windowsills for tight closure.
3. Recaulk windows: If the caulk is cracked or peeling around your windows, recaulk them afresh for a waterproof seal.
This will warm your home and reduce energy consumption during the cold months.
Step 7 – Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection
It always pays to have your roof professionally inspected before the fall season, even after you have addressed those minor repairs and maintenance. These professional roofers will be able to spot problems that you might have overlooked and provide solutions on how to keep your roof in superior condition for the upcoming months.
Professional Roof Inspection- Benefits
· Detection of hidden problems: It can detect leaks, cracks, or other types of damage that are not easily seen by the human eye.
· Avert major repairs: Early detection prevents minor issues from developing into major, expensive repairs by catching problems in their infancy.
· Ensures peace of mind: A professional inspection will give you peace of mind, knowing your home is ready to face the fall and winter.
Contact Bulletproof Roofing to schedule your roof inspection today. Our expert team will assess the condition of your roof and help you prepare for the upcoming fall season.
Why You Shouldn’t Delay Roof Repairs
Most of the serious repercussions arise from delaying much-needed repairs to the roofs. The longer you wait, the more extensive and more expensive the damage gets. Here's why:
• Causing more damage: Small cracks and leaks culminate in larger-scale damages, causing much greater structural damage.
• Value: Small problems are much cheaper than major repairs or replacements later.
• Energy efficiency loss: A damaged roof lets cold air in, allowing all your warm air to escape; heating costs will be higher that way.
Acting now by scheduling a roof repair ensures your home remains energy-efficient and protected from the harsh fall and winter weather.
Preparing your roof and walls for fall doesn't need to be overwhelming. The following 7 essential steps can save your home from damage, reduce energy consumption, and prevent expensive future repairs.
If you’re unsure about the condition of your roof or need assistance with repairs, don’t hesitate to contact Bulletproof Roofing for expert advice and professional services.
Act now, and enjoy a safe and comfortable fall season, knowing your home is well-protected!
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