Spring Cleaning Roof Checklist
Most homeowners never think about checking the condition of their roofs unless they notice something like a leak or perhaps a tree has fallen on the house. Now that we’re approaching Spring, this is a good time to inspect your roof. Here are 7 things to consider doing once Spring arrives.
- Have Your Roof Washed to Remove any Mildew or Mold – Mold and mildew are not only unattractive, but they detract from the beauty of you home. Some homeowners may be handy enough to tackle this themselves and there are products you can obtain for your local hardware store that won’t damage your roof. If you’re not handy, there are many local companies that specialize in roof cleaning.
- Examine Your Roof for any Loose Shingles – Winter weather can be hard on your roof. Look for curled or damaged shingles or areas where shingles have fallen off. Don’t wait to make these repairs as the damage from a heavy rain could lead to costly repairs from leaks.
- Clear Your Roof of Debris – Winter weather can cause all sorts of debris to end up on your roof and in your gutters. If left on your roof, mold and mildew will start to grow. Again, if you are handy, a leaf blower will allow you to blow of the debris. If you don’t want to tackle this yourself, hire a local company to do this for you.
- Clean Your Gutters – Gutters are designed to funnel rainwater off and away from your roof and foundation. When they become clogged with debris, water can build up and damage the wood underneath your shingles. Cleaning gutters is no fun and can be dangerous. If you don’t feel up to the task, it will still pay to hire a professional to clean them. If there are large deposits of shingle granules in your gutters you may have shingles that need replacing
- Check Your Attic – If your attic has signs of water damage, mildew, or mold you may have an insulation or ventilation problem. It’s best to call a professional who can determine where the roof has been compromised before any serious damage occurs.
- Inspect the Flashing Around Chimneys and Pipe Vents – Flashing can become separated from chimneys and pipes allowing water and insects access. Fixing loose flashing is not difficult or costly, but if left unattended it can lead to more serious problems.
- Damaged Tree Branches – If branches are leaning on your roof or have been blown on to your roof they should be removed. Tree branches can damage shingles and create holes that allow water to penetrate. It’s also a good idea to trim the branches of tree that overhang your roof.
Taking just a little time to follow these suggestions could end up adding years to the life of your roof and saving you money. When it does come time to repair or replace your roof, we hope you’ll consider Brian Sikes Roofing. We’d like to be “Your roofer for life”