Simple Steps for Preparing a Flat Roof for the Fall

Inspect

The first thing to do is inspect your roof. Carefully, climb up on your roof and walk around. Inspect the edges and seams, as well as, where any water usually pools. Make note of any spots that need to be re-caulked or resealed. A good way to do this is to take up a piece of white chalk with you to the roof and circle the spots that you will be fixing later. Obviously, it is best to do this when rain is not in the forecast. Once you have inspected the roof you will have a better understanding of what needs to be done and repaired.

Cleaning

After your inspection and before you begin any minor repairs, take the time to clean off the roof. Use a soft bristle broom to sweep off any debris or other material that may have collected on top during the spring. It is important to clean the roof off before you begin making repairs, so that the dirt and dust does not wind up compromising the quality of the patchwork. Hosing the roof down is also an option, but be sure that you go back and mark any areas that you will be fixing after the surface has dried. Sometimes, after hosing the roof down, you can see other areas that you did not notice during the first inspection due to debris that was on the roof's surface.

Repair

Repairing your own roof can be tricky if you have not done it before. Roofing materials are a lot more sticky and challenging to work with than they may seem at first. If you are having trouble, or if the repair that needs to be done is beyond your scope of expertise or comfort level, call a contractor for help. Also, know what your roof's product warranty consists of. Some roofing materials are only guaranteed if a certified contractor completes the job. Although this may seem unfair, it is to prevent homeowners who do not know what they are doing from accidentally causing damage to their roof and then blaming the roofing product itself for failing. If you can handle the repair and it does not compromise your roof's warranty, fix the areas that need to be fixed. More important than any roof problems or roof clean-up is your personal safety. Make sure that there is someone to help steady the ladder as you go up and down and do not take on more than you feel comfortable doing. Being on a roof can cause vertigo and dizziness. Always use extreme caution and remember that your family would much rather have you intact than the roof.