Tips for Spring Roof Maintenance

Roofs are an integral part of a house. In fact, it is the basic feature of one. Just as one takes care of the walls of the house, the roofs also need special attention. After all the roof shelters us from the dangers that lie outside. The roof of a house must be resilient. There are many factors that can affect its condition, such as, moisture, the sun, a storm, snow, and so on. To remedy the situation, one must regularly inspect the rooftop and repair what is necessary. Usually, the best time known is during spring. During this period, the weather is favorable and therefore the needed tasks can be done. However, how does one maintain correctly the roof of a house?

Below are 4 maintenance tips on spring roofing.

1. Keeping Your Roof Clean

The first and most basic step is to keep your roof clean. The gutters are usually the parts that need a lot of cleaning. Gutters are a very important component of a roof. It helps direct the flow of rainwater. If not looked after properly, then this could lead to water leakage, the formation of mold, and so on. This could eventually negatively affect the walls of your house or worse. Gutters must be repaired or cleaned when:

– Cracks along them are to be found.

– Rusting. 

– Standing water.

– Presence of mold or algae. 

– Sagging gutters.

Cleaning the gutter can be considered as easy. Below are some steps that one can follow:

– When cleaning a gutter, start with the downspout first. Many times, debris such as twigs and leaves collect down there, clogging the whole of the system. 

– Then remove the debris with either your hand or a trowel. Generally, this requires climbing on a ladder, so do be cautious. Before starting, you can install a cloth or any other object on the ground to capture the falling leaves. Another option is to carry a bucket along with you.

– Finish it by washing off the remaining with water at high pressure. Do be careful not to damage the shingles as you wash off the dirt and debris. In this situation, a hose would be perfect. 

– Do not forget to check signs of leakage and to eventually repair it. 

– Then complete it all with nice and appropriate paint. This would prevent the gutter from rusting. 

With the recent passage of winter, there is naturally plenty of moisture that gets collected on the rooftop. This could lead to the formation of mold or algae. This in turn can negatively impact your roofing system. The worst-case scenario would be the collapse of the walls or roof. Moreover, the growing presence of mold could affect the health of the inhabitants of the house. A simple solution to the growth of mold and algae is to basically wash it off with high-pressure water. If it does not work, then chemicals bought in stores can be used. You can also make use of shingles covered with zinc. This would aid in preventing the growth of algae. However, it is advisable to consult an expert before spraying chemicals all over your roof. 

2. Check Your Shingles

Shingles are also an important part of a roof. It is in fact the major protector of roofs. Usually, these incur damages from strong winds or simply become old. Some signs that your shingles need to be replaced are:

– Dark patches on your rooftop. 

– When nails that were used to install the shingles are left exposed to the naked eye.

– A missing shingle or a loose one.

– Water leakage.

– Fallen granules from the shingles.

Shingles can easily be replaced. It is generally better to call on a roofer to accomplish this job. 

3. Get a Professional Inspection

It is always affordable to inspect the house by oneself. However, for a more thorough inspection, it is much more reasonable to call upon an expert. These people know better and can easily find broken parts. As mentioned above, the best time to do the following is during spring. Furthermore, it is cheaper during this season. Spring typically means a slow season for major roofing companies. This results in them having more time to offer you. Better and more efficient work is done. A tip is to also look for local roofers. They are usually cheaper. Other tasks such as a moisture survey are done by experts. This consists of using materials such as an infra-red scan to check on the functioning of the roof when water is present. This is typically done on sunny days accompanied by a dry environment. This, therefore, corresponds to the weather condition of spring. Others include thermal roof inspection, an electronic leak survey, and so on. Many people who prefer to do the work by themselves often neglect the small problems. Another common problem is negligence towards their own safety. Roof works are often dangerous. Climbing ladders and walking on the roof is not easy for everyone. 

4. Inspect Regularly

Regular inspection of your roof is also crucial. After a brutal storm or strong winds, it is advisable to check on your roof. As mentioned, countless of times above, spring is generally the ideal season to inspect your roof. Winter can be harsh to your roof. Along with it, you have the other seasons. Summer can also prove to be difficult with its extreme temperatures, being a hindrance. The falling leaves and debris that clog the shingles throughout autumn just add on to the list. Therefore, regular check-ups to clear those problems are of great importance. 

By following these maintenance tips, roof damages will remain rare. One can sleep soundly knowing that one’s shelter is in good shape. Our home is our place of refuge, and therefore we should contribute to keeping it resilient, and the roof also forms part of it. 

Therefore, do not forget to conduct a thorough inspection next spring!