The oranges and browns of leaves in the fall are oh-so enchanting to look at, but you should never let them collect on your roof. When soggy piles of leaves are left plastered against your shingles, it can cause all sorts of damage, such as rot and leaks, over time. So how do you prevent damage from fallen leaves?
Gutter Helmet®, the best gutter system installer in the area, shares top tips here.
Trim Back Your Trees
The best solution is to go after the source of the problem — the trees surrounding your roof. It is great to have shade in the summer, but big trees can make quite a mess in the fall. Regularly trim trees in your yard to minimize the number of fallen leaves you have to deal with. You will likely need to hire a professional to do the job, but it is well worth the effort.
Clean Your Gutters
Your gutter system needs to be free of dirt and debris to effectively do its job, which is to channel roof runoff away from the foundation of your home. Leaves that pile up on your roof will eventually find their way into your gutters, creating clogs. Clogged gutters can cause gutter overflows, soil erosion, and even basement flooding. In addition to periodically cleaning your gutters, you may need to install a gutter cover to keep your gutters from getting clogged with leaves, twigs, pine needles, and other debris.
Perform a Roof Inspection
It is important to take a good look at your roof now and then. Check for fallen leaves, curling or missing shingles, loose flashing, and other common roof-related problems. Perform the inspection from the ground up with a pair of binoculars to be safe. Do not try to remove wet leaves on your own, especially if your roof is steeply pitched. Leave it in the hands of a roofer.
Gutter Helmet installs gutter guard systems to make it easier for homeowners to keep their gutters clean and their roofs free of damage. To request a free quote, call us at (800) 824-3772 or fill out this contact form. We will send one of our representatives to your place pronto.
