It’s coming up on that time of the year in the Pacific Northwest. Our beautiful summer has come to an end and despite the lingering wildfires, the rain is soon going to be a staple in our weekly forecast. The Seattle winters have recently evolved to include a week or two of snow and perhaps the occasional windstorm too, so making sure that your home is prepared is the best way to save you money (and the headache) of costly repairs in the future.

The annual wear and tear of the elements takes a toll on every roof. Make sure you are prepared for this coming winter and so is your roof. Follow this roofing repair and maintenance checklist that our expert roofers have compiled:

1. Roofing Inspection

Get ahead of the rain and winds this year by performing your roof inspection early. A basic roof inspection will help determine the integrity of your existing roofing, asses any damage you may not be aware of, and determine how much longer it should last and when you should consider roofing repairs.

Perhaps you are buying a home? It is crucial to have a roof inspection completed to ensure it is well ventilated and prepared for the elements. In most areas a good roof should last you around 20 years or more. In areas with heavier rainfall and harsher winters, you should be prepared for more frequent maintenance.

2. Gutter Cleaning

The beautiful colors of autumn are already starting to appear on our trees in Seattle. With the many colors also come a lot of fallen leaves. Unfortunately, much of this beautiful scenery ends up in our gutters. Failing to keep your gutters clean and free of leaves, branches, and other debris may end up being a costly mistake.

A gutter which cannot properly drain rainwater may end up spilling over and seeping into your home. Water damage will not only hurt your pockets, but your home’s value as well. Unaddressed water damages can get out of hand and your insurance provider may put a branding on your home, affecting its value.

3. Remove Overhanging Tree Branches

It is important to ensure that your roof is clear of any nearby tree branches that may pose a hazard for your roof. In a windstorm, gusts have incredible power to break tree branches and even uproot trees. The last thing you want is to deal with a hole in your roofing while a storm rages outside.

If you are unable to prepare for the coming winter by trimming overhanging tree branches on your own, we would advise you to protect your investment in your home by hiring a tree removal service to help you.

4. Stock Up on Winter Tools

The recent few winters in Seattle have brought heavier than usual snowfall. Having a good arsenal of tools will keep you prepared as a homeowner. A few essentials include:

• electric snowblower
• quality snow shovel
• roof rake
• snow guards
• extra shingles

Installing snow guards will encourage any snow to fully slide off your roof, rather than getting stuck and piling up; putting excess strain on your roof. Having a spare box of shingles will help you avoid the hassle of needing to find and match the correct color and texture of your roofing once a minor repair is needed.