Your trees are likely bare by December and the task of raking leaves has finally slowed. You might think you are done with autumn maintenance tasks, but you still have one area left to clean – your roof.
If left to rot on your roof, leaves and other yard debris can damage shingles and lead to leaks – or if left long enough the dreaded roof replacement. Preventing these outcomes starts with understanding how leaves affect your roof and how to keep it clean without causing further damage.
Leaves and Debris Damage Roofs
Leaves and debris on your roof act as a sponge – trapping moisture and holding it against the shingles. Excess moisture causes shingles to deteriorate and prematurely ages your roof. When these wet leaves are left to collect rainwater, moisture will penetrate existing gaps between shingles – leading to leaks.
An abundance of leaves and debris is also heavy. This extra weight puts undue strain on support structures and, in severe cases, can even compromise the safety of your roof.
Because leaves and debris on your roof cause premature aging, leaks, and even overburdened structures, it makes sense to do everything you can to avoid these outcomes. The best way to do this is to have your roof cleaned and inspected regularly by an experienced roofing professional.
Hire a Professional Roofer to SAFELY Remove Leaves from Your Roof and Gutters
It might seem easy to clean your roof on your own, but it is one job best left to a professional. Any DIY roofing project is dangerous, simply due to the need for a ladder and the height of the typical roof.
When you attempt to remove leaves on your own, you’re taking an unnecessary risk that often leads to serious injury and even death. In fact, one of the main causes of serious roof falls is leaves that become slick and make footing even more treacherous. An experienced roofing professional is trained to take all the necessary safety precautions to clean your roof while avoiding injury.
As you consider roofing professionals, be sure that their cleaning methods don’t do more harm than good. Shingle roofs should never be pressure washed, and if you do it could cause damage and even void your warranty.
A concentrated spray of water can damage the coating of the shingles and shift them into new, more vulnerable positions. Instead of a pressure washing company, look for a roofer that will get on your roof and clean it properly.
While removing leaves from the surface of your roof is important, it is also vital to keep your gutters free of leaves and other debris. Gutters are essential to preventing pooling water on your roof, and they direct water away from vulnerable places like exterior walls and your foundation. However, gutters do not perform well – and they can even cause more damage – if they are clogged with leaves or other debris.
Like with cleaning your roof, be sure to hire an experienced professional to clean your gutters. That way you can stay safely on the ground while still ensuring your gutters are free of clogs.
Check for Roof and Gutter Damage After Removing Leaves
Removing leaves from your roof and gutters is a great starting point, but you also need to have your roof inspected by a local, licensed, and insured roofing company. A professional roofer can check for damage to your shingles and the substructure of your roof caused by leaves, debris, and natural aging. They can also identify and resolve problems before they become serious – often extending the life of your roof and saving you money.
Be sure to have your roof and gutters inspected by a trustworthy roofing professional at least annually and repair any damage as it occurs. By keeping your roof in good condition and performing small repairs as they are needed, you can delay larger repairs and prolong the life of your roof.
Roof Inspections and Repairs from Complete Roofing
When you need a trustworthy roofing company to inspect or repair your roof, turn to Complete Roofing. We have local offices and crews serving coastal Alabama, Mississippi, and the greater New Orleans area. Our expert roofers will come to your home and inspect your roof and gutters at no cost to you. If our inspection reveals issues, we can repair them quickly.
Our experienced team works with all types of roofs including asphalt shingles, metal roofs, and even commercial roofs. We have the tools and experience to help you get the most life out of your roof – no matter what type of roof you have.
To contact a roofing specialist in your area, use the following links for our 3 general areas or click your city for express service:
Installation and Repair Services for Roofs and Gutters are available in the following locations:
- Coastal Alabama Main Office with local agents in:
- Coastal Mississippi Main Office with local agents in:
- Greater New Orleans Main Office with a local agent in: