After the summer storms have passed you may have seen some clogged gutters or a shingle or two come loose. You are no doubt asking yourself what can be done in the fall to put some protection on your home before the snow begins to fly and another of Maine’s winters gets underway.
We can help with that. For 25 years Home Roofing Solutions has been at the service of homeowners here in Maine; our staff is well acquainted with the rigors a roof endures when the cold sets in. As a veteran-run, family business we put the same care into every roof as if it were our own. Any questions, give us a ring at (207) 489-2904.
There is no better season than fall to tend to your roof in Maine. When winter makes an appearance, the combination of ice, snow and sub-zero temperatures means any repair work is not only more difficult but hazardous. A bit of diligence now will keep you from costly headaches down the road. The following are some sound advice to see your roof through to spring.
The Case for Fall Maintenance in Maine
A Maine winter puts roofs through their paces. Between the wind, freezing rain, ice dams and the weight of the snow, there is plenty to take a toll. What might be an innocuous problem in October can be a full blown leak by January. Ice along the eaves is enough to let water seep under your shingles and into the house.
Too often we see homeowners put off action until a stain appears on the ceiling, at which point the damage is considerable. Do your maintenance while the weather is still good and you will have time to put right any minor faults.
Gutter Inspection and Cleaning
In Maine your gutters have hard work to do and they require your assistance in the fall. Debris and leaves will clog them in short order if left alone, impeding drainage and setting the stage for ice dams.
Before winter is upon you we suggest:
- Clear out all the leaves, twigs and other debris
- Put some water through the gutters to see they are flowing as they should
- Examine for rust, cracks, separated seams or any fasteners that have come loose
- Verify downspouts are putting water at a distance from the foundation
- Check that nothing is sagging and the gutters are secure to the roofline
Keeping your gutters in order is one way to safeguard your basement and walls from ice damming.
An Eye on Your Shingles and Roofing
It does not matter if you have cedar shakes, metal, rubber (EPDM) or asphalt, this is the season to check for wear. There is no need to get up on the roof; a set of binoculars from the ground will do.
Be on the lookout for:
- Shingles that are curling, cracked or gone
- Granules wearing thin and leaving bald spots
- Flashing around the chimney and vents that is rusted or not tight
- Skylight seals in poor condition
- Valleys where debris has made a home
- Any moss or algae
Should you come across something of concern, let a pro have a look. We would be glad to do an inspection for you, just call (207) 489-2904.
Put in Some Time with the Branches
With the heavy winds and ice storms Maine is prone to, an overhanging branch can snap under the load of ice and snow and do a number on your roof. Trim them back in the fall to mitigate the risk and to spare your gutters a pile of leaves.
Do Not Neglect the Interior
A trip to the attic with a flashlight will tell you much about the state of your roof. Before winter takes hold, check for:
- Daylight coming through the boards
- Stains on the roof deck
- Insulation that is damp or a musty odour
- Frost or moisture, an indication of inadequate ventilation
Proper insulation and ventilation in the attic are key to avoiding ice dams, more so than most would think.
A FORTIFIED Roof Upgrade
For those with an older roof or who are contemplating a replacement, planning in the fall is prudent. We are a Fortify Maine Certified Roofing Contractor and part of the state’s Fortify Maine Homes program. An upgrade to a FORTIFIED Home roof is constructed to withstand the kind of weather Maine is famous for.
Leave It to the Pros
You can do some of this yourself, but when it comes to a thorough inspection or any repairs, you are better off with a team you can put your trust in. We stand behind what we do with our Solution Guarantee and a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and will provide a free estimate so there are no surprises.
Homeowners throughout the state can count on us between 7:00am and 9:00pm. Make a call to Home Roofing Solutions at (207) 489-2904 today and face the first snowstorm without a care.
