3 Areas to Focus On During Springtime Roof Maintenance
Virtually every property repairs and replacement benefits from springtime’s excellent balance of hot and cold temperatures. Too-hot temperatures make it nearly impossible to have new roof installations. On the other hand, cold temperatures can turn roofing materials brittle and surfaces slippery for installation. Here are three areas you can focus on when doing spring roofing maintenance.
Gutter Repairs
The snow, ice and rain in the winter months can build up in your gutters and start to block off the downspouts. As the gutters become blocked, the water will start to flow over the edge of your roof and onto the ground. This will cause water to drip onto your siding and paint, as well as onto your windows below. If this is left unchecked, it can lead to water seeping into your home and ruining your ceilings as well as your walls.
Roof Shingle Repair and Replacements
Roof shingles can be damaged during the winter by heavy snow or ice accumulation. The snow and ice can become so heavy that it pushes the shingles off the roof. Once this happens, the shingles will need to be replaced with new ones. Spring’s temperate climate makes it easy to conduct roof shingle repairs and replacements, ensuring nearly zero problems in solving its issues.
Mold and Algae Removal
Springtime is the perfect season to remove mold and algae from your roof because it is easier to clean them off due to the warm and welcoming temperatures. You can wash and dry the roof then coat it with an anti-fungal product to remove mold and algae from your roof. Avoid using power washers because they can damage the roof’s surface.
Ocean Point Insurance has an excellent list of things to do to get your roof in good condition after summer. Read more about it below.
The arrival of spring puts yard work and spring cleaning at the top of your to-do list, but what often gets overlooked is the roof, which has been subject to a lot of weather abuse through the winter months and may require tender loving care.
1) Clean your gutters
From late Fall, through the winter months, debris such as pine needles, twigs, or dirt can clog up your gutters, rendering them useless. When the next spring rainstorm arrives, water will overflow, potentially damaging your house.
Consider adding a gutter guard to prevent the gutters from becoming clogged.
2) Inspect your shingles
Damaged shingles can leak and can cause severe damage to your home’s interior.
We recommend that you use a licensed professional to climb up onto your roof to inspect it, but if you decide to inspect the roof yourself, please use all safety precautions:
Work on dry roofs only
Wear shoes with soft rubber shoes for the best traction
Use a ladder that conforms to local code and is approved by the American Ladder Institute
The base of the ladder should extend out 1 foot for every 4 feet of elevation
Use roof brackets and a safety harness
Leave steep and high roofs to the professionals
Check the roof for any shingles that are cracked or have curled up edges, identify shingles with loose nails. If you see areas of the roof with damaged shingles, it may be time for a roofing repair.
3) Check for mold or algae
Your roof will be wet for long periods during the winter months and may be subject to mold or algae growth. There are do-it-yourself cleaning kits, but we recommend that you use a professional roof cleaning service because it is inherently dangerous working on a wet roof. (Continue reading here to learn more)
You can always count on us at Slavin Home Improvement to provide you with the best roof services you might need. Contact us today to learn more.
