If you are expecting family gatherings for Thanksgiving or Christmas, you may have begun deep cleaning and decorating inside for both holidays. The outside decorating and cleaning are just as important, especially for the roof and gutters.
Chances are high that you have a pine tree or two, maybe more in your yard. They are the most common tree in the Chattahoochee Valley. As the seasons change, we experience what is known as the seasonal drop. The pine needles turn brown and drop, and other trees, like maples and oaks, shed leaves. They fall on the ground, your roof, or clog your gutters.
“The pine needles and leaves that pile up on your roof and clog your gutters can cause serious damage, especially in the valleys of the roof and around the vents,” said Danny Renfroe, owner of Renfroe Roofing.
He would know. Renfroe has been in the roofing business for almost 50 years. While we haven’t had much rainfall lately, which would worsen the problem, leaving a pile on the roof can not only be unsightly but could cause other problems.
“Your roof should be blown off monthly, but especially in the fall. Any rain we do get can go back into the shingles. That becomes a whole other problem. Roof damage can result in damage inside the home. Leaks inside the walls can cause drywall damage that could ultimately be more expensive than replacing a roof.”
A new roof can be a critical investment, especially when the current one is old or damaged.
One other piece of advice from Renfroe involves the look of the roof and staining over the years. Some homeowners don’t like the difference in color.
“High-pressure washing on the roof to rid the stains is not good. It causes the shingles to lose 50% of their granules. Once that happens, it kills the lifespan of the roof.”
The roof of your home is part of curb appeal, but most importantly, keeping it maintained is part of your home’s value. During this time of year or any other time, neglecting roof or gutter cleaning can cost you in the end.
