For many components of your home or building in Wilmington or other parts of Delaware, the fall season we’re in now is an important transitional time. It’s a buffer period between the hot summer and what can often become quite a cold winter, and this is often a vital period for ensuring the roof is in good shape and has had any required repairs or upgrades before the cold hits.

At Becker’s, we’re happy to help with any and all roofing maintenance and repair needs for clients throughout the state. We offer services for every kind of roof you might have on your property, including asphalt shingle roofs, cedar roofs, slate roofs and many others. What are some of the top areas to be looking at for your roof this fall, whether on your own or with our help? Here are some good examples.

Gutter and Gutter Guard Cleaning

Over the last several months, your gutters and gutter guards have been collecting leaves, branches, dirt and other debris. This can cause all sorts of problems, including clogs that prevent proper water drainage and leaks that leave your roof vulnerable to water damage. It’s important to clear out your gutters and gutter guards before winter arrives in earnest.

For those who are unfamiliar with them, gutter guards refer to the mesh screens or other materials that are installed over top of gutters to keep leaves and other larger debris from getting in and clogging them up. Many homeowners opt to install gutter guards as a way of reducing the amount of time they need to spend cleaning out their gutters on a regular basis.

Cleaning out your gutters is a fairly simple process, but if you have any concerns or are unsure about your safety while doing so, don’t hesitate to call in a professional like Becker’s. We’ll be happy to take care of the job quickly and efficiently.

Clearing Built-Up Debris

Another likely event that’s taken place over the last several months is an accumulation of debris on your roof. This can be everything from leaves and branches that have blown up there in storms to actual construction debris if you had any work done on or around your property over the summer.

This built-up debris can cause all sorts of problems for your roof, including trapped moisture that leads to rot and leaks. It’s important to clear it away before winter hits. Again, this is something that’s relatively simple to do if you’re comfortable working on your roof, but we understand that not everyone is. Our team at Becker’s would be more than happy to come out and take care of the job for you if needed.

Inspecting Your Shingles

Trimming Back Trees or Bushes

If your property contains any trees or bushes that are close to your roof, now is a good time to trim them back. Overhanging branches can do all sorts of damage to your roof, including breaking shingles and causing leaks. By trimming them back now, you’ll help reduce the risk of any such damage occurring over the winter months.

This is important even if you performed such a trimming job a few months ago in the spring. Many trees grow very quickly, so it’s entirely possible that they may have already begun to encroach on your roofline again.

Inspect Your Shingles

If your roof is covered in asphalt shingles, it’s important to inspect them regularly for any signs of wear and tear. This is especially true if you had any work done on your roof over the summer, as this can sometimes loosen or damage shingles.

Common signs of damage to look out for include cracked or missing shingles, curling shingles, or shingles that are covered in moss or algae. If you notice any of these, it’s important to have the damage repaired as soon as possible to prevent further issues.

Making Minor Repairs

If you do find that your shingles have been damaged, it’s important to make the necessary repairs as soon as possible. If left unaddressed, even minor damage can quickly turn into a much larger problem.

Of course, any repairs that need to be made will likely require you to get on your roof. If you’re not comfortable doing this, or if you’re unsure about the extent of the damage, don’t hesitate to call in a professional. Our team at Becker’s would be happy to take a look and make any necessary repairs.

Professional Inspection

Especially if you have any physical limitations that stop you from getting on your roof, but even if not, it’s always a good idea to have a professional come in and inspect your roof at least once a year. This is the best way to ensure that any potential problems are caught early and repaired before they can cause significant damage.

At Becker’s, we understand how important it is to keep your roof in good condition. We also know that not everyone is comfortable performing the necessary maintenance and repairs. That’s why we’re here to help. Our team of experienced professionals would be more than happy to take care of any roofing needs you may have in Wilmington or nearby parts of Delaware, so don’t hesitate to give us a call at your nearest convenience. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you get your roof ready for winter.