That crisp air and those colorful trees mean fall weather is officially upon us. With each changing season comes a new list of home maintenance tasks. The roof does its job of protecting you and your home all year, but how do you look out for it and keep it sturdy? Read on to learn simple ways to protect your roof this fall.

Remove Debris

Clear your roof of tree branches, leaves, pine needles, and other debris. These things can hold moisture and eventually mold or rot, which could cause shingles and roofing material to deteriorate.

Use a broom or blower to remove debris. Also, keep an eye on lower areas where slopes meet. Rainwater collects in these valleys to flow off the roof, so it’s important to make sure the passageway is open.

Additionally, look for and trim any low-lying branches or those that hang over the edge of your roof. This will help prevent moisture and debris from resting against or collecting on the rooftop. Remember to use caution: Be aware of and careful around any power lines near your home’s roof. Don’t hesitate to contact the utility company to do the trimming for you.

Look for Damage

Now that your roof is free from debris, check the surface for any signs of damage. Look for broken, missing, or curled shingles and repair or replace them right away. If you find significant flaws, have a qualified expert inspect the area to determine whether you may need a full roof replacement.

Also, check the flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights. This material directs water away from those vulnerable areas of the roof, so be sure it is in fine working condition.

Clear Gutters

If you have a gutter system along your roofline, be sure to keep it clear.

That debris from your rooftop often ends up in your gutters, which creates clogs and prevents the system from properly draining water. Rainwater can then overflow and damage your roof, siding, and trim boards. If the gutters become too heavy from rain-soaked debris and standing water, the system may start to pull loose or even collapse.

Save yourself from potentially expensive repairs by clearing the gutters throughout the fall. Once the trees around your home have lost their leaves, do another thorough cleaning to ensure the channels are unobstructed.

Or, to avoid the hassle of gutter cleaning altogether, consider installing a LEAFAWAY® Gutter Protection System.

With cooler weather finally here, be sure to get outside and keep up with home maintenance. These simple suggestions will help protect your roof this fall. If you have concerns about possible roof damage or questions about gutters, the Twin Cities area home exteriors professionals at Spotless & Seamless can help. Contact us today to learn more.

Water is one of the most powerful forces on earth and can cause major damage to your home. We’ve outlined some ways to detect and prevent water damage from roof leaks and flooding.

The Risks

Water damage can cause black mold growth, ruin your insulation, rot wooden framing, and compromise your home’s foundation, all of which can cost thousands in repairs and jeopardize your family’s safety. When water seeps into your home, it can discolor and stain your ceiling, floors, or walls. If you notice these or other signs of water intrusion, you should inspect your home to determine the cause. 

What causes flooding?

Your rain-carrying system is designed to properly channel runoff water away from the foundation of your home to prevent flooding. Downspouts that are installed too close to your house or that drain toward the basement wall can cause water to pool and erode the soil. In the winter, snow and ice can clog gutters so that they overflow and allow runoff to cascade down your home’s siding and puddle near the foundation. If you have a cracked foundation or poor sealing, low-lying areas in your home like basements or cellars can flood.

What causes roof leaks?

Roof leaks are often caused by damaged or worn roofing materials. The sun can melt the tar that seals shingles together, and shingles may become brittle and crack or rip off entirely from high winds. Rusted flashing, the strip of metal designed to seal joints where the roof meets a wall or chimney, may expose your home to moisture. Damaged boots around vent pipes and corroded mortar on brick chimneys are another culprit. Heavy, clogged gutters may damage the eaves of your roof, causing your soffit and fascia boards to rot. Ice dams allow water to pool on the roof and potentially seep into your home.

How can you prevent roof leaks and flooding?

It’s better to prevent roof leaks and flooding than deal with the aftermath of water damage. Spotless & Seamless Exteriors offers clog-free gutters with a Superspout™ that provides 50 percent more drainage than conventional downspouts. This revolutionary rain-carrying system protects your home from ice dams and flooding.

As a Twin Cities roofing contractor, we offer asphalt and metal roofing, so you can replace your old, worn-out roof and protect your home this season. We also provide routine roofing inspection and repair services so you can maintain your roof and avoid costly damage to your home.

We are a top Minnesota steel siding contractor, offering siding replacement and repair to residents throughout the Minneapolis metro. Steel siding is installed in custom-fit boards that eliminate seams. This airtight seal protects your home from moisture intrusion.

Contact us for more home exterior solutions.

When a hail storm slams your neighborhood, the damage to your roof can vary greatly. Knowing how to identify damage can save you hassle and money down the line.

Damage Variables

Wind speed and direction can change the severity and location of hail impacts. Larger hail creates more damage and most hailstones are not perfectly round, making different impacts to the surface. Trees, buildings, or other neighboring structures act as natural barriers from hail. They can cause more damage in dangerous storms, such as when a tree falls on your house.

Materials absorb hail differently. Hail can dent asphalt roofing, gutters, and aluminum siding.  If you are hit with softball sized hail, the density can be strong enough to puncture a roof. Vinyl or wood shakes can crack, while metal roofing is tough and highly resistant to hail damage. Contact the Minneapolis roofing specialists at Spotless & Seamless Exteriors to learn more about the different kinds of roofing materials.

Age or Hail Damage?

Wear and tear can be mistaken as hail damage. Exposure to sun and weather over time can make asphalt shingles brittle and aged in appearance. Blistering, cracking, flaking, and algae are also signs of age. However, hail damage can be unmistakable if there are black, shiny, or soft spots on asphalt shingles. Wood shingles will have random damage with cracks that are orange/brown in color, sharp, and have no deterioration. Lastly, checking if your vents, gutters, siding, or air conditioner have dents too can signify claimable damage.

If you believe that your house has been damaged by hail, contact Spotless & Seamless Exteriors, Twin Cities roofing contractor, for a free roof inspection. You can make a claim with your insurance rep or agent as soon as you know there is hail damage. Any neglected damage from earlier storms or aging is noticeable and not covered by insurance. Over time, damaged shingles can deteriorate from the sun and rain. Shingle debris can get caught in your gutters and exposed areas are susceptible to leaks, wind damage, and mold.

It’s a large investment to replace or repair a roof but protecting the value of your home is important.  If your roof shows signs of serious aging or hail damage, we can help.

You can count on our experts at Spotless & Seamless Exteriors to provide fast, high quality, and personalized service to complete your Minnesota roofing repair on time.