After each winter, it’s smart to check to see if Mother Nature has wreaked havoc on your roof. Although hiring a roofing contractor is always the safest bet to ensure an accurate inspection, the following recommendations can also be done on your own.
gutter cleaning
The purpose of a gutter is to prevent moisture buildup from damaging the structural integrity of your home by trapping water from the roof.
Properly functioning gutters are essential to maintaining the vibrancy of a roof as well as preventing water damage to the siding. Therefore, it is important to clean any debris in the gutters every spring, as well as every fall. After removing large debris, use a hose, power sprayer, or bucket of water to clean any remaining debris from the gutter. Also be sure to prune nearby trees with branches hanging from the ceiling.
herpes
After cleaning the gutters, the next step is to check the quality of the shingles on your roof. Using a properly secured ladder to access the roof, check the shingles for missing pieces and ripples. Bent or damaged shingles can be an indication that your roof is having trouble resisting wind damage or has reached the end of its useful life. A spot replacement may only be needed if the damage is limited to a specific area of the roof. In either scenario, it’s best to consult with a roofing professional to get a clearer idea of the extent of the damage.
Heavy grain loss is another sign indicating the need to replace shingles. The grains in a roofing shingle provide protection from the sun. Over time, these granules will wear away, causing the shingles to become brittle and crack from heat and exposure.
Also be sure to remove any moss or mold buildup on your shingles. Avoid doing this with a pressure washer, or you could end up stripping the protective coating off your shingles. Instead, use a special shingle moss removal solution and then proceed to remove moss and mildew with a long-handled broom.
patchwork
When you spring clean your roof, be sure to also do the following:
• Tighten bolts on metal roofs.
• Repair or replace loose or damaged flashing. Flashings are strips of metal placed around objects like pipes and chimneys that prevent water from entering seams or joints. Any gaps between the flashing and the roof must be sealed with roofing cement.
• Remove any animal nests found in column vents along roof edges. These vents are often a popular burrowing location for animals during the winter.
The condition of your roof can have a substantial impact on your entire home. While there’s no escaping eventually having to replace your roof, getting quality checks done every spring will help extend its longevity and prevent minor damage from becoming major problems.