Farewell Summer and hello Fall! I know; we can’t believe it ourselves.

October is a time for apple picking, drinking cider, carving jack-o-lanterns, exploring corn mazes, etc. Those beautiful changing leaves remind you that before you know it, you will be planning holiday parties and lighting up your fireplace.

As lovely as these reminders are, we’re a little haunted by them and the significant drop in overnight temperatures. There is nothing worse than an unexpected roof collapse during a Nor’easter days before hosting a holiday party.

Here’s 6 steps to help you eliminate winter surprises.

1. Start by checking the lid–Make sure your roof is in great condition. Look for signs of loose shingles, missing sections of roofing, stains, leaks, warped wood, mold, rot, or anything else that might send up a red flag. You might also find evidence in your attic. If you see daylight through your roof, you need immediate assistance.

2. Inspect and clean those gutters— Look for early warning signs like holes, cracks, and debris. It’s also a good idea to run a bit of hose water through them to make sure they’re still carrying water away from your foundation.

3. Say goodbye to overhanging tree limbs— Take a stroll around your home, paying particular attention to limbs surrounding your roofline and windows. Trim them before the winter sets in. While you’re at it, identify and clean any dead trees as well.

4. Pay a visit to your attic— Poor ventilation is a danger to your roof. Adequate ventilation is essential to proper roof function and is a major reason why most roofs fail and weaken more quickly than anticipated. Without the right types of ventilation and a sufficient amount of ventilation, you can expect common problems like mold, mildew, rust, soggy decking, heavy icicles, and ice dams.

5. Check flashings— Pay special attention to areas around the chimneys, plumbing vents, and other roof projections. Damaged and leaking flashings/ caulking creates vulnerable areas within your roof that do not get repaired efficiently if done in smaller, spotty patches.

6. Go inside and look up— Look at your ceilings and look for any signs of leaks or stains. It is not always easy to tell exactly what causes a ceiling stain, but the location of that stain can often point to signs.

Taking these necessary steps will bring you peace of mind in knowing that the most important part of your home is in great shape to handle our powerful New England weather. Be sure to reach out to us for your free roofing quote for the month of October & protect your family from the elements.