Maintaining Your Roof for Optimal Performance
This Spring and Summer

As the warm spring season approaches, it is time to begin thinking about property maintenance. The fall and winter seasons can wreak havoc on a property, causing debris to be littered all over, moisture damage, and roof damage. A lot of property owners neglect their roof maintenance because of the fear of heights, lack of knowledge of how to perform maintenance, and simply forgetting about their roofs. As the spring season arrives, it is an ideal time to perform maintenance as the temperatures are more comfortable and you can address any issues that occurred over the winter months. In this blog post, we will discuss some common spring roof maintenance tasks.

Inspect for Damage: The first thing you should always do every spring is visually inspect your roof for damage. Look for damaged shingles, missing shingles, holes, cracked flashings, and loose tiles. Also, check for areas where moisture may be pooling or signs of leaks. If you find any such issues with your roof, get them repaired quickly to minimize damage and keep your home protected.

Clean Gutters and Downspouts: When moisture gets to your roof, it makes its way toward your gutters which safely directs it away. However, gutters take in more than just water. They capture dirt, leaves, twigs, debris, and insects which can form clogs. Clogs restrict the flow of water and can lead to overflows that cause water to fall toward your property’s foundation. When this happens, your foundation is at risk of becoming damaged. So, clean your gutters regularly to ensure that water can flow freely.

Trim Overhanging Branches: Overhanging tree branches can pose a risk to your roof, especially during storms or high winds. Trim back any branches that are touching or hanging over your roof. This will not only prevent potential damage from falling branches but also reduce the risk of leaves and debris accumulating on your roof and in your gutters.

Clean and Remove Debris: Clean off any debris such as leaves, pine needles, and branches from your roof. Debris can trap moisture on your roof and lead to issues like leaks, mildew, and mold growth. Use a soft bristle brush or leaf blower to gently remove debris on your roof. Be careful to not damage your roof while cleaning off the debris.

Check and Clean Flashing: Flashings are materials used to provide a watertight seal for joints and seams around the roofing system. Inspect your flashings for any damage and clean any debris off them. If your flashings are damaged, get them repaired or replaced immediately to prevent water damage to your roof.

Schedule a Professional Inspection: While a visual inspection by yourself is always good, nothing compares to a professional. A professional roofer has the knowledge and experience to help them spot any concerns with your roof. They will often find things that you may overlook or not know are an issue.

Address Moss or Algae Growth: If you notice moss or algae growth on your roof, you need to address it quickly. Moss and algae can trap moisture on your roof, leading to damage to your roofing material. Clean the moss or algae using a moss/algae cleaner specifically designed for roofs. If the growth is extensive, consider calling a roof cleaning company for help.

Check Attic Ventilation: Proper attic ventilation is crucial to maintaining your roof. The ventilation promotes airflow and helps keep the roof dry. Check the attic ventilation for any obstructions and remove them if found. This will ensure that your ventilation is doing its job in aiding in temperature regulation and moisture prevention in your attic and roofing.

Consider Professional Roof Cleaning: If your roof has significant staining or discoloration, you may want to consider professional roof cleaning. Professional roof cleaners have the expertise and equipment to safely remove stains, moss, or algae without causing damage to your roof. This can help improve the appearance and longevity of your roof.

Document and Maintain Records: Keep a record of the maintenance you have performed on the roof, whether you do it or a professional does. Track important details like the date of the maintenance and the maintenance tasks performed. You should even record the date of inspection, even if no repairs or maintenance are performed that day. This will help you keep track of the condition of your roof and provide vital information for insurance claims.