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Hackethal Roof Maintenance Checklist

Garrett Hanes • Sep 19, 2022

The Hackethal Roof Maintenance Checklist

Roof maintenance is essential in the Fall to protect your home against the upcoming Winter weather. As you may know, the weather is unpredictable in the Midwest.  Hackethal Construction offers a checklist of items to help you keep your roof in top shape. 


Autumn is the perfect time to start on your roof maintenance checklist. Ideally, your roof should be inspected twice a year: once in late spring and again in the fall. When roof problems are neglected in the fall, the winter months can exacerbate the damage, resulting in more costly repair expenses in the spring. 


A few key items on the Maintenance Checklist include cleaning gutters and downspouts; checking for loose or missing shingles; inspecting for signs of pests or animals, assessing the condition of your attic, and trimming back any trees or vegetation that are close to your home. 


Following this Roof Maintenance Checklist can help avoid costly repairs and keep your family safe and warm all winter long.


Gutter and Downspout inspection

Inspect and Clean Your Gutters

Your gutters and downspouts play an important role in protecting your home from water damage. They are designed to redirect rainwater away from your foundation to prevent basement flooding and other issues. However, gutters can easily become blocked with leaves, twigs, and other debris. 


This fall, it's important to clean out your gutters to allow water to flow freely. Gutter cleaning is not difficult, but it requires some safety precautions. First, be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp debris. Next, use a ladder to reach the gutters and remove any debris by hand or with a small shovel. 


Finally, rinse the gutters with a hose to remove any remaining debris. By taking the time to clean your gutters this fall, you can help prevent water damage to your home.

Checking for Loose or Missing Shingles

The roof is one of the most important parts of your home. It protects you from the elements and helps to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. That's why it's important to keep your roof in good repair. One way to do this is to check for loose or missing shingles and repair them before winter.


 Loose or missing shingles can allow water to seep into your home, causing damage to the roof and walls. Repairing them now will help to prevent this from happening. So, before winter sets in, take a few minutes to check your roof and make sure it's in good condition.

roof shingle replacement
Gutter and Downspout inspection

Inspecting for Signs of Pests or Animals

Any homeowner knows that the roof is an important part of the house. Not only does it protect the interior from the elements, but it also helps to regulate temperature and keep energy costs down. As a result, inspecting your roof for signs of pest damage in the fall is crucial. 


Animals such as squirrels and raccoons often take refuge in attics and Roof voids in the winter, and their sharp claws can cause serious damage to shingles and insulation. In addition, their droppings can contaminate the area and lead to disease. By taking steps to prevent infestations, you can protect your home and ensure that it remains in good condition for years to come.

Assess the Condition of Your Attic

Most homeowners are aware that the condition of their attic can have an indirect effect on the condition of their roofs. However, few realize that the state of their attic can directly affect the condition of their roof. This fall, check to see if the insulation in your attic is covering the vents in the eaves.


 If it is, be sure to uncover these vents as this allows air to escape and prevent ice dams from forming on the roof in the winter. Also, make sure that ridge and eave vents are free from plants and other debris. Taking these simple steps can help prolong the life of your roof and avoid costly repairs.

Trimming Trees and Vegetation Around Your Home

Trees can add beauty and value to your property, but keeping them trim and well-maintained is important. Overhanging branches can cause damage to your roof, and leaves can collect in your gutters, leading to clogs. In addition, large trees with extensive root systems can damage underground utilities. 


To avoid these problems, it is best to trim trees regularly and remove any branches that are close to your home. If you have concerns about a particular tree, you may want to consult a certified arborist for advice.

Gutter and Downspout inspection

Get a Free Roof Inspection

A roof inspection is a critical part of maintaining a home or commercial building. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional roofing contractor, an inspection can help you identify potential problems before they cause serious damage. Inspections also give you a chance to spot small problems that can be repaired quickly and easily, avoiding the need for more extensive and expensive repairs down the road. 


Ideally, roof inspections should be conducted at least once a year, and more often if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions. By taking the time to inspect your roof regularly, you can avoid costly repairs and prolong the life of your roof.

Schedule a Free Estimate with Hackethal Construction

As the weather starts to cool down and the days get shorter, it's important to start thinking about preparing your home for winter. One of the most important things you can do is ensure your roof is in good condition. 


Heavy snow and ice can put a lot of strain on your roof, so it's important to have it checked by a professional before winter hits. Hackethal Construction offers free estimates, so you can get an idea of what needs to be done to prepare your roof for the winter months. 


Don't wait until it's too late - schedule a free estimate with Hackethal Construction today.

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