Extreme amounts of moisture, freezing and thawing cycles, and the weight of snow itself can put an unmanageable amount of stress on aging structures. That’ s why fall is such a smart time to repair or perhaps even totally replace your roof, as recommended. Begin with a thorough inspection.

GETTING AN INSPECTION

The American Society of Home Inspectors recommends getting a professional roof inspection twice a year. You can perform your own spot checks in the meantime. Look for any cracked or curling shingles on the outside, while noting stains or damp areas in the attic. Address these issues before the coldest months since they may become more challenging and costly to fix in the wintertime.

During a professional inspection, experts will thoroughly examine your roof from the exterior and interior of your home. They’ ll assess the condition

of the shingles, paying close attention to any ice dams. The inspector will evaluate the overall state of the chimney, if you have one. Once inside, they’ ll look for signs of moisture, mold and ventilation problems, while evaluating the insulation.

MAKING REPAIRS

Conduct repairs in autumn to ensure the best outcomes. For instance, treatments for moss and lichen may

require up to 180 days to take full effect. Installing new shingles in cold temperatures can lead to failure. Finally, repairing icy roofs is extremely hazardous work, so issues identified too late may have to wait until spring before they can be properly resolved.

KNOW THE RISKS

The inspector will draft a comprehensive report detailing any identified issues, their level of urgency, and a proposed course of action. If

you live in a region with lots of winter precipitation, they’ ll note that your roof may be susceptible to collapse due to the sheer weight of snow. Even a well-maintained roof can only withstand approximately 20 pounds of snow per square foot, according to insurance experts. That’ s why regular fall inspections are so crucial. In some instances, snow removal may even be necessary during the winter season. Talk to an expert today to find out more.