Although summer is not done, being in the latter half of the season means it’s a good time for homeowners to begin preparing for fall. With fall and winter on the way, your roof has colder temperatures, rain, snow and ice in its future. So, is your roof ready? Follow these basic steps to ensure your roof is in the best shape possible for the upcoming seasons.

Clean the Gutters

The gutters’ job is to channel rainwater away from a home’s foundation to prevent it from deteriorating. When your gutters become clogged, rainwater begins to pour over the side and pool at the base of your home.

Also, the fascia board that holds your gutter system to the house is generally made of wood. If your gutters become blocked, the water level inside of them rises and causes your fascia board to begin rotting away.

Check for Damages

Prior to the fall or winter seasons, it’s a good idea to assess the current condition of your roof for any issues that need to be addressed before they turn into larger issues. Some key issues you want to keep an eye out for include missing or cracked shingles or damaged flashing surrounding vent stacks, chimneys or skylights. These are scenarios where leaking is most common.

It’s also important to look for sagging in your roof line. A sagging roof could be a sign of roof rot and potentially even lead to a roof cave-in.

Remove Any Debris from the Roof

It’s important to remove any debris such as leaves, which in turn exposes your roof to more moisture. When it rains, this debris collects the moisture and traps it against your shingles, opposed to it running off. This additional moisture leads to the development of roof mold or causes your roof to break down faster.