(ARA) - Sandwiched between summer storms and winter snow, fall typically offers a nice break in the weather that’s ideal for home repairs. To avoid heading into winter without the protection of a properly functioning roof, homeowners should use this season to assess their roof for damage and then prioritize any needed repairs. But, how do you evaluate your roof? Neil Robinson of TAMKO Building Products, Inc. offers the following key components for a basic fall roof assessment:

1. Keep gutters and downspouts clean, allowing water to drain properly. This will help prevent water from backing up onto your roof.

2. Remove all debris, such as dirt, twigs and leaves, which blocks proper drainage. Trim any overhanging trees so that branches don’t scrape or rest on your roof.

3. Check flashings around the chimney, stack vents and skylights. Wear-and-tear in these areas, as well as gathered water or debris build-up in valleys, can lead to leaks in your home.

4. Look for broken shingle tabs and loose or missing shingles and schedule routine maintenance.

5. Maintain ventilation on the roof to avoid heat build up in your attic, which can affect roof performance. Check to make sure vents are clear to allow proper airflow. Excessive heat build up in your attic space will also decrease your home’s energy efficiency.

6. Consider consulting a professional roofing contractor for expert inspections or follow-up questions.

If you have an asphalt roof, you should assess for excessive granule loss. Some granule loss is common with asphalt roofs after severe weather, especially heavy rain or hail. Walking the rooftop for home repairs may also lead to granule loss. All new asphalt shingles will shed some “hitchhiker” or “rider” granules during shipping, application and the first couple of years in the roof’s life. These are granules that were not embedded in the asphalt coating, but may have been wedged in between and on top of embedded granules. Older shingles will also lose granules as the roof ages normally over time.

According to Robinson, you should generally inspect shingles for areas of exposed asphalt, which accelerate the roof’s aging and reduces curb appeal. “If the asphalt is still covered by granules, and the shingles are not cracked or punctured, your shingles should still be providing protection,” he says.

No matter what material makes up your roof, snow and ice can also cause severe damage. If you live in a region that receives a lot of snow and ice, you may want to consider adding snow guards to your roof to keep shingles in tact as snow and ice melt. This will help prevent a rooftop avalanche and any subsequent damage.

If many of your shingles are severely damaged, it might be time for a new roof. Laminated asphalt shingles have traditionally been the first choice, but new residential shingle options are available. Composite shingles are extremely durable and high-performing and many homeowners are upgrading to this material when replacing their roofs.

For example, TAMKO’s Lamarite composite slate and shake and MetalWorks steel shingles feature 50-year limited warranties, Class A fire resistance and are warranted against damage from winds up to 110 mph.

To protect your investment in your home, roof repair or replacement should be a priority. And because not every roof repair project can be completed in a short time frame, it is important to inspect your roof and start planning now. Make sure your roof will perform through winter and, if needed, develop a repair or re-roofing plan

Article courtesy of ARAcontent