4 Spring Roof Maintenance Tips

Perform an inspection of your gutters at least twice a year, ideally in the spring and fall. You want to make sure that your gutters are not clogged and that the water is flowing as it is designed to. If your gutters are clogged with leaves and debris, any water that they capture can be trapped within the gutters and overflow onto your roof which can cause roof leaks, deterioration of your gutters or fascia and soffit damage. Always be sure that you use proper safety protocols when you inspect your gutters such as ensuring your ladder is on solid, level ground and securing the ladder at the top to prevent slipping.

When clearing debris from your gutter, make sure to remove all sticks, leaves, needles and seeds by scooping the debris out with a garden shovel and/or a gloved hand. Do not try and remove the debris with a hose as you can cause your downspout to clog further. Once all large debris is removed, you can rinse the area to flush out any residual matter with a garden hose. If you would like to better protect your gutters from debris, ask your local roofing contractor about gutter guard options like LeaFree!

With spring being the rainiest season of the year, the moisture caused by the rain can cause algae, mold and mildew to gather on roofs. Spores from algae, moss and mold are easily carried by the wind and have the ability to spread from one structure to another. While algae might not cause a lot of damage, mold and mildew can cause a ton of unwanted damage to your home. Both thrive in areas of moisture, so if you spot any on your roof then you may have a roof leak. Moss can also lead to your asphalt shingles curling and increases the likelihood of losing the shingle during any type of storm that produces high winds and in turn, allowing moisture to penetrate other layers of your roof. That moisture can result in mold, which can decay the structure of your roof completely and cause extensive damage. Prior to contacting a professional, you can try spraying any areas where moss or mold is growing with a liquid chlorine bleach and water mixture (1 cup of liquid chlorine bleach for every gallon of water), allow the solution to sit on the spot for at least 15 minutes and then thoroughly rinse the area with clean water. Use extreme caution when completing this to ensure that none of the chlorine bleach solution gets on your skin and that none of the roof cleaning solution makes it onto your landscaping it can kill any foliage it comes into contact with.

Checking your attic can be a strong indicator for any leaks you may not yet be aware of, especially during the spring season as it is the rainiest time of the year. As part of your Spring roof maintenance, simply go into your attic and look for any water stains, standing/stale water, mildew odor, sagging ceiling, or discoloration. All of these signs can point to a leak that may require a roof repair.

Tip from the roofing experts: If you inspect your attic space and see any outside light coming through, call a professional to help waterproof the area until a roof repair can be performed. If light is getting through, so can water. This type of issue may require more than roof maintenance and should be evaluated by a roofing contractor.

During your spring roof maintenance, check to see if you can locate any buckling, curling or blistering shingles as this indicates the end of the shingle’s functional life expectancy and may require a roof repair. Also make sure to check for any loose material or wear and tear around chimneys and other penetrations on your roof. If you are not comfortable getting on your roof, you can perform these inspections by walking the perimeter of your home and looking at the roof from the ground. A pair of binoculars is a helpful tool to assist with a visual inspection performed from the ground.