The Ultimate Spring Roofing Maintenance Guide for Homeowners
Spring cleaning isn’t just for the inside of your home — it’s the perfect time to work on the outside of your home, especially your roof. As it recovers from winter weather, it’s important to inspect and clean to avoid any problems in the future and get it in shape for the next season.
While the winter can bring harsh snowstorms, the spring can bring thunderstorms with high winds and hail that may cause storm damage. That’s why it’s important to inspect your roof in both the spring and the fall. To get you started, let’s take a look at some of our recommended spring roofing maintenance tips.
Spring Roof Maintenance: Why It Matters
As we mentioned, it’s best to inspect your roof in the spring and fall seasons. After a long winter, you may not be sure what’s really going on up there. Snow, ice, and water all work together in the cold months to wreak havoc on your roof.
Several feet of snow could pile up on the roof, testing its load-bearing limits. When the snow melts and refreezes, ice will form and block your gutters. The water behind these ice blocks will also continue to freeze and thaw and put stress on areas that may already be prone to leaks.
These issues can cause a perfect storm of roof damage, and you need to be proactive and prioritize spring roof maintenance when the weather is nice.
Not sure what you should be looking for when inspecting your roof for damage? Familiarize yourself with these signs that your roof has experienced storm damage.
Of course, it’s always a good idea to have a professional inspect your roof in the warm seasons for any gaps or leak points that could be exploited by winter weather. Regular roof maintenance, such as cleaning your gutters, will also help you to avoid problems in the next season.
7 Roof Maintenance Tips to Add to Your Spring Cleaning To-Do List
You should always consult a professional for serious roof repair projects, and it is recommended to have a professional roof inspection done annually. In the meantime, there are a few spring roofing maintenance tips to keep in mind that you may be able to handle on your own.
While this may sound like a big chore, here are seven things you can effectively knock off your weekend to-do list.
Tip 1. Inspect Your Roof (From the Ground)
First things first, grab a pair of binoculars and inspect your roof from the ground (while keeping your safety in mind). Look for things such as:
- Damaged or missing shingles
- Shingles that are cracked or curling
- Shingles with granules missing
- Signs of mold or algae
- Signs of tree damage or low-hanging branches that could cause damage
- Loosened materials, specifically around the chimney
Tip 2. Clean Out and Wash Your Gutters
In order for your gutters and downspouts to function properly, and protect your roof and foundation from water damage, they must be clear. After a winter of debris building up, use a sturdy ladder to climb up and remove twigs, leaves, and any other debris.
It is recommended to remove the debris by hand first and then flush out any residual matter with your garden hose. Watch out for granules from your roof that have washed down into the gutters and downspout. This may be a sign of damage that you will need to inspect and get fixed.
Once you’ve rinsed your gutters with the hose, check the gutter for any areas where water is pooling. Gutters should be adjusted for proper drainage to prevent any backup.
Tip 3. Trim Your Trees
Sometimes your own landscaping might be the culprit behind your roof damage. Especially with spring storms, it’s a good idea to trim any tree branches that hang low near your roof.
The last thing you would want is for a storm to cause that branch to fall on your roof, taking out or damaging shingles and other parts in the process.
Tip 4. Check and Repair Your Insulation to Keep Your Roof Properly Ventilated
Your attic is a great place to check on the condition of your roof. The attic should be properly ventilated to prevent the spread of mold or water damage. You should also look for any openings or signs of leaks coming from your roof. Not only is this a bad sign for your roof but your utility bills are also likely higher from the air escaping through these leaks.
Other signs to check for in your attic include a musty odor, discoloration, or a sagging ceiling, all of which could indicate that there has been water damage to your roof that needs addressing.
A significant hail storm can often lead to leaks and water damage. Learn how to identify hail damage to your roof so you know what to look for if, or when, the time comes.
Tip 5. Call in An Expert to Help Re-Caulk (If Needed)
While it’s possible to check for areas that need re-caulking and complete it yourself, it’s always good to get a professional opinion to prevent extensive damage. You will want to check the base around your chimney, along walls, and around plumbing vents for any gaps where water could leak in.
The flashing on your roof is your main defense against leaks so it’s important to get those secured by re-caulking.
Tip 6. Fungus, Algae, or Moss? Install Zinc or Lead Control Strips
Your roof will collect moisture over the winter so be sure to check for any fungus, algae, or moss growth in the spring. If moss or other problems go unchecked, they could deteriorate the roofing material and shorten its lifespan.
Zinc or lead control strips act as a barrier between your roof and the moss or fungus. When it rains, particles from these metals wash away from the strip and onto the roof. These metals are poisonous to moss, algae, and fungus and will prevent them from covering your roof. These strips can be installed on any roof, new or old.
Tip 7. Document Any Damage
You should document damage to your roof for insurance purposes. Depending on your policy, home insurance may cover the cost of repairs, especially if the damage to the roof was caused by a storm — but they need to see the evidence. Take pictures of any broken shingles, damaged soffit or fascia, mold growth, or any other problem areas.
Looking for more ways to maintain your roof? Check out these roof maintenance tips you can do yourself to keep your roof healthy.
Need a Hand with Your Spring Roof Maintenance? Call in the Roofing Experts to Help!
After a long and possibly harsh winter, depending on where you live, your home will likely need some spring roofing maintenance.
While many of these tips for cleaning up and making repairs can be done yourself, it’s always a good idea to book an inspection with a professional. A professional contractor will know the problem signs to look for in your roof and anticipate any repairs needed. Getting ahead of these problems in the spring will allow for a smooth and safe winter for your roof.
Liberty Restoration offers free inspections to keep your roof in tip-top shape and will take care of all your home and business restoration needs. Our experienced team of restoration contractors will also work with you and your insurance company to provide best-in-class services and make the process as stress-free as possible. Reach out to us today!
