Monthly Blog about Home Maintenance and Roof Moss
 October 2012
Squirrels are out and about, looking for a home to winter in. If you hear scratching in your ceiling or attic area in the morning and the evening, then it's probably one of these critters that has gotten into your home. You probably don't need to worry about them getting into your bedroom and night and curling up around your toes, but I don't think you want the noise keeping you up at night. Read more about squirrels and how to keep them out of your home.
Gutters should be cleaned so winter rains and snow can shed from roof and not go near the foundation. Moss is exploding in growth with cool weather. Dirty gutters and dumping nutrient-laden water from upper story downspouts across lower roofs and leaving algae trails. Important to keep walkways clean so grandma doesn't slip or fall when visiting. Weather may dip to freezing. Drain hoses and put them inside (they'll last longer). Put covers on faucets if still in use.
February 2011
We still have freezing weather, so best to keep the garden hose disconnected from faucet. Also want to keep cover on faucet. We've had a few dry warmer days, but expecting more cold weather and possibly some snow. It's been difficult to find clear days to kill roof moss, and weather forecasts have changed quickly. I have spent quite a few rainy days working on my website and uploading more photos. Looking forward to spring already :)
January 2011
We had some really cold weather (teens) and then some warmer weather towards end. Very nice days for January.
Suggestions:
- Hose off porch entry and siding around concrete that has gotten dirty from water splashing and wind
- Make sure valleys are cleaned out enough to prevent roof leaks from blocked water.
- Make sure downspout are unplugged. Some downspouts/outlets can easily be plugged by just a couple leaves and gutters that have been previously cleaned may overflow.
- Kill moss on driveway. This rainy warm weather has really caused a lot of algae and moss on concrete.
December 2010
It can be quite rainy during this month. And cold. Temperatures may dip down to the 20's and sometimes teens.
Suggestions:
- Shutoff water to exterior faucets. If you are having moss killed on your roof, you may need to turn the faucets back on so we have access to water to make the moss killing and preventing solution.
- Make sure vents around foundation are closed.
- Check for drafts around doors and windows.
- Check downspouts to make sure they are not plugged. Many downspout outlets (where downspout connects to gutters) are so small that even a few leaves or needles will stop them up. Catching this early can keep the gutters from overflowing in a downpour.
- Keep the valleys cleaned out on the roofs. This is especially important on concrete tile roofs where blocked water can overflow the valley flashing and cause water damage to ceilings.
- Keep a snow shovel handy for walkways. Using rock salt can damage concrete quickly and permanently.
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