Now that spring is here, it is time to get outside, start your exterior spring cleaning, and evaluate what the cold weather months may have done to your home. Cleaning your roof is an essential part of exterior maintenance and should be done each year. The elements, especially of the fall and winter months, can take a toll on your roof, exterior walls, and gutters. But, you can help keep your home in tip-top shape by following this checklist while cleaning your roof.
- Remove Debris
- Start by removing any leaves, dirt, and other debris off your roof. There are two easy ways to get rid of roof debris. One is to rake the debris off by hand, and the other is to use a leaf blower. It is essential to be careful not to damage your shingles when brushing away the debris or walking on the roof.
- Clean Your Gutters
- Since a properly functioning gutter system protects your home and its foundation from water damage, this chore is a necessary part of spring cleaning – remember to keep an eye out for these six common spring gutter problems. Performing routine maintenance also helps prolong the life of your gutter system and avoid costly repairs.
To cut down or eliminate your gutter cleaning time, we strongly suggest investing in installing gutter guards.
- Since a properly functioning gutter system protects your home and its foundation from water damage, this chore is a necessary part of spring cleaning – remember to keep an eye out for these six common spring gutter problems. Performing routine maintenance also helps prolong the life of your gutter system and avoid costly repairs.
- Check the Edges and Eaves
- How do the edges of the roof look? Are there uneven shingle edges? Is the paint chipping off the eaves? This is the perfect time to perform any minor repairs to keep the edges and eaves looking sharp and safe from further damage.
- Inspect Your Roof
- Be sure to keep a close eye on the shingles, as they are the first part of the roof that protects your home from leaks and other damage. The snow and ice can be harsh on the shingles, so look for missing, curling, blistering, buckled, stained shingles as these can be beginning signs of damage – or be covering up more significant issues not immediately visible.
- Look for Mold
- While performing your self roof inspection, you should also be looking for signs of mold or mildew. Discolored streaks on your roof can help indicate signs of growth. Typically, if caught early enough, this can be an easy fix. However, as mold and mildew progress, they will work their way into your foundation and cause more significant problems.
It’s important not to take any chances because if mold spreads to the interior of your home, it can be dangerous for you and your family. If you are unsure if what you’re seeing is signs of growth, call a professional to come out for a complete roof inspection.
- While performing your self roof inspection, you should also be looking for signs of mold or mildew. Discolored streaks on your roof can help indicate signs of growth. Typically, if caught early enough, this can be an easy fix. However, as mold and mildew progress, they will work their way into your foundation and cause more significant problems.
- Inspect Your Attic
- A critical but often overlooked point on your roof spring cleaning checklist is inspecting your attic – taking a look at the roof from the inside. This will help you determine whether you have leaks, cracks, holes, or any other underlying damage. Look for stains on the walls and ceiling and light coming through the roof or walls.
- Flashing and Chimney
- You should also be inspecting your flashing and chimney during this time. The flashing can easily pull away from the chimney or roof and create small holes for water to seep into and bugs to create a new home. The good news is, these are generally minor, easy fixes.
- Trim Nearby Tree Branches
- Take a look around and pinpoint any branches that are reaching closer and closer to the roof. Trimming these branches away will make cleaning your gutters and roof easier and help avoid potential damage during rain or wind storms.
- Schedule A Professional Inspection
- If you are unsure of what you are looking for, have found damage (or think you may have), or need repairs or a roof replacement, it is best to call on the professionals to ensure nothing has been missed. Reach out to our team to schedule a complimentary roof inspection and estimate.
