When was the last time you gave your roof a good once over? You would be wise to ask yourself if it is up to the wind, rain and snow that are a Pennsylvania winter’s way. Or whether some of the minor things from last season have been allowed to fester through the summer.
Should any of this give you cause for concern, then come to us. We at Bachman’s Roofing can put your mind at ease; we have an intimate knowledge of what fall weather does to a roof in these parts. We have been with families in the tri-state area, Berks County and the Lehigh Valley since 1972. Put down the phone at (888) 775-7384 if you have any questions or stay with us for a no-nonsense guide to inspecting your roof this weekend.
Why make a habit of checking your roof in the fall?
It is the ideal time for maintenance. The heat of the summer is gone and the cold has yet to set in, leaving you a nice window to address any trouble before a storm comes along. Early detection is key. What is a small leak in October will be a costly repair in January when the ice and snow put in their appearance. A little work now goes a long way in sparing you the expense and aggravation.
A visual check from the ground will tell you plenty
There is no need to put on a ladder. Take your binoculars and go around the house, being on the lookout for:
- Shingles that are cracked, curling or missing
- Moss, algae or dark streaking
- Granules from shingles in the gutters or by the downspout
- Any sagging of the roofline
- Flashing in poor order, rusted or damaged near the chimney and vents
- Gutters that are loose and pulling from the fascia
Jot down where you see them so a pro can be made aware of it.
Give your gutters and downspouts some attention
With all the leaves that come down in the Lehigh Valley and Berks County, clogs are easy to come by. They hold water to the edge of your roof and invite rot and ice dams when it gets cold. Clear the debris and put some water through to be sure of proper drainage, and check that downspouts are taking it away from the foundation. If the seams are leaking or they are old and bent, consider putting in new ones while you are at it.
Do not forget the attic
You will find some of the best evidence of roof problems inside. On a day with good light, go up and see if there is:
- Light penetrating the boards
- Dark spots or staining on the wood
- Insulation that is matted or damp
- Mustiness from moisture, or any mold and mildew
Proper ventilation and insulation in the attic stave off ice dams as well, so it is a trip worth making.
Put in some pruning
The trees that provide shade in July are a different story in winter. Snow and ice can break them and a breeze will have limbs scraping your shingles for the duration. Cut back anything encroaching on the roof to save your shingles and keep the gutters clear.
Leave it to the professionals
An inspection by someone who knows what he is looking at is advisable if you are unsure of some damage or the roof is of a certain age. We do not employ subcontractors at Bachman’s Roofing; our in-house crews do the inspecting and put their name on the work. We are licensed in Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania and will give you a free estimate with a full accounting of materials and fees. There is no pressure and nothing to hide.
Our credentials speak for themselves: 14 years as a GAF 3-Star President’s Club winner and a CertainTeed 5-Star Contractor for ten, not to mention the 4.9 average we have from over 1,700 reviews.
Make an appointment for your fall inspection
Let us handle it rather than let the first storm of the winter be the one to show you want is needed. Call (888) 775-7384 and our people will be there to put you on the schedule and answer any queries you may have.
