Although our part of the country may not experience all the snow and icy conditions that many others do, it’s still important to give your roof some attention as the holiday season nears. The greatly increased rainfall that comes in December, January and February should be your most significant concern.
Inspect Your Roof
The first thing you need to do is inspect your roof and assess its current condition. See if there are any instances of water not draining or signs that the potential for that is there. Also look for leaks, shingles that are damaged or missing and flashing that is starting to deteriorate. A professional roofer will know the exact warning signs to look out for.
Clean Debris
Any debris that has accumulated on your roof should be removed prior to the rainy holiday season. As a result of this removal, rainwater will more easily find its way to your gutters.
Also note that fungus and bacteria on your roof can grow significantly when leaves, pine needles, branches, bird droppings and dead insects decompose and are not cleared away.
Cleaning your roof will also ensure that any holiday lights that you hang there will shine without any debris to distract from the colors.
Tend to the Gutters
Ensure that your gutters have not become clogged, as that can result in them getting heavy and potentially damaged. If that happens, future rainwater can pool at the top of them instead of flowing down.
Check for Branches Nearby
Overhanging branches can cause issues during the holiday season, especially if they are or may come in contact with your roof’s shingles or tiles. And pay close attention to any especially large, heavy branches, as an overhanging one breaking during a storm could cause extensive damage to your roof.
How Is Your Attic?
Another important place to concern yourself with is your attic. Leaks often appear there before they become noticeable on the roof. Also, if your attic is not well ventilated, mold and mildew may form on your roof as well as your attic during the rainy season. In addition, see if there are any signs of pests since damage they cause in your attic could ultimately impact your roof.
Avoid Walking on Your Roof
Whether you’re cleaning debris or hanging up holiday lights, avoid walking on your roof if you can. If you must do this to access hard-to-reach debris, wear soft-soled shoes to limit any damage you may cause.
If you want to get your roof ready for the holidays, reach out to Action Roofing for professional assistance. We provide roof inspection and roof repair services to homeowners throughout Santa Barbara, CA.