As the weather cools down in the fall, you’ll notice that your roof will collect dirt and debris from falling leaves, fallen branches, and other things that blow around in the wind. Depending on where you live, these items may be more or less prevalent than others, but your roof will still collect them all year round. This means that fall is as good a time as any to clean your roof! 

Use these best practices to clean your roof this fall to protect your home from ice dams and leaks this winter.

What to Consider Before Cleaning Your Roof

Cleaning your roof in the fall is important to maintain a healthy roof, but it’s important that you know what to do before you start. There are a few things to consider before starting your roof clean-up:

1. Check with your insurance agent first – some companies will not cover damage caused by cleaning the roof if they do not have approval from the company. 

2. You’ll need to get up on your roof, so be careful and wear proper shoes and clothing (no shorts!). 

3. When using a pressure washer or any power tools, be sure there is no one below who can be hurt or property damaged by water or debris is blown off the roof. 

4. Be sure you’re on solid ground before operating any power tools on the roof!

What Tools do You Need?

To ensure your roof is thoroughly cleaned, you’ll need a ladder, a garden hose with a pressure nozzle or power washer, and a rag. You can also use a broom to remove any leaves from the surface of your roof. Be sure to take precautions when working up there by wearing safety goggles, sturdy boots, and gloves.  

From here, work to clear off your roof of debris or leaves. Hiring a professional may be the best course of action for any hard-to-wash grime. 

How Often Should You Clean Your Roof?

If you live in an area with heavy rainfall, you will want to clean your roof at least once a year. This is the time when leaves, dirt, and other debris make their way onto your roof. It’s best to clean it before the rainy season begins. This also applies to your gutters — ensure you’re keeping up with good scheduled roof-cleaning services, so you can thoroughly wash off your roof without any problem.

Contact Us for a Roof Inspection Today

Don’t wait to have your roof inspected and cleaned; our team is ready to help you! The JM Roofing and Siding experts are licensed and insured to serve you in Norwalk, Connecticut, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today for a free estimate!