Fall in Michigan brings colorful leaves, cooler temperatures and plenty of time spent outdoors before winter arrives. But while you’re enjoying the season, your roof has to contend with a completely different side of autumn.
The leaves start to pile up, the acorns start to drop, the wind kicks up, and temperatures fluctuate between night and day. On top of tall that, squirrels and other critters are on the hunt for shelter in advance of the colder weather.
This fall, pay attention to what’s happening on your roof to prevent problems from worsening as we head into winter.
Leaves Don’t Always Make It to the Ground
Those fall leaves may look vibrant and pretty, but they can be a nuisance when they land on your roof. Leaves tend to collect in gutters, roof valleys, and around chimneys and skylights. When wet leaves accumulate, they can impede drainage and trap moisture against your roofing materials.
From the ground, take a look at your roof to see if there is any buildup. After a rainstorm, check if your gutters are overflowing. If so, leaves, acorns, and twigs could be causing a clog.
Squirrels Are Looking for a Winter Home
Squirrels and other small animals look for sheltered locations during fall, and can get inside small openings in your roof and siding. Pay close attention to damaged soffits, fascia, vents and other gaps around the roofline, and have them sealed promptly.
If you hear scratching or movement in the attic, your Troy roofer may be able to tell you how they got inside and then repair any compromised exterior openings after the animal has been removed by a professional.
Acorns and Branches Come Down
An acorn here and there that bounces off your roof may not be a big deal, but larger branches can be. Fall wind storms can cause dead or weakened limbs to hit your roof, potentially resulting in damaged shingles, gutters, flashing or other parts of your home’s exterior.
Be sure to trim back overhanging branches before fall storms send branches onto your home.
Fall Winds Can Find Weak Shingles
Speaking of wind, your roof can become vulnerable to moisture intrusion if repeated gusts lift loose or compromised shingles. After particularly strong winds, take a look at your roof from various angles to see if you can spot lifted or missing shingles.
Your Gutters Are Working Overtime
Your gutters have a big job to do in fall. They are designed to carry rainwater away from the roof, but often times, they also accumulate leaves, twigs, seeds and other debris. A clog can cause water to overflow rather than travel through the downspouts smoothly. Clean out your gutters at the start of fall, and make sure your downspouts are positioned to send water away from your property.
Keep your gutter system clear during fall, and it will be better prepared to handle the snow and ice that Michigan winter will bring later.
Michigan Temperatures Fluctuate
A chilly morning followed by a warm afternoon is par for the course during a Michigan fall. These temperature swings expose your home’s exterior to changing conditions as roofing materials, flashing, sealants and other components expand and contract.
Contact McLean Roofing and Siding
If something doesn’t look right during one of your visual inspections, McLean Roofing and Siding can take a closer look. Contact our Troy roofers today at (248) 524-1111 to schedule service and make sure your roof is ready for whatever the next season brings.