The snow has finally melted, and the weather is warming up, so it’s time to start spring cleaning! Spring is the perfect time to inspect your roof for wear and tear from the wintertime and to give it a good maintenance check. Follow these routine care tips to maintain your roof. Spring is the perfect time to inspect your roof Here are some tips for Spring Roof Cleaning & Maintenance read more here
1. Check the Attic for Leaks
If you plan on doing spring cleaning maintenance on your roof, don’t just look for water damage outside your house. Damage occurs in places you don’t often look, such as just inside the roof.
To ensure your entire roof is free of water damage, go into your attic and inspect every nook and cranny. Even if you can’t see a water stain, if the space smells musty, or if you see a bulging wall, assume the worst.
2. Clear Debris
To effectively spring clean your roof, make sure you clear all debris from it. If you leave debris on your roof after cleaning your gutters, it washes into them, erasing your work.
Keep your roof clean from twigs and leaves. Over time, debris leads to mold and mildew, which can destroy your roof. You can clear the debris with a hose or rake, but a professional does the job quickly and safely.
3. Trim Tree Branches
Trimming tree branches is a major part of spring cleaning maintenance on your roof. Your first priority is tree branches that have already fallen on your roof. However, it’s good to prevent this from happening in the first place.
Tree branches that overhang your roof can scratch and damage it. They can also fall during a storm, causing severe damage. As preventive maintenance, trim tree branches overhanging your roof.
Tree trimming is dangerous and can lead to more problems if done incorrectly. Call a professional to ensure the trimming goes well.
4. Clean off Mold
Mold most often appears where a tree branch touches or overhangs the roof. While examining your roof, identify any mold, mildew, or algae you must wash off.
Don’t consider mold a death sentence. Clean the roof with equal parts water and bleach and let it sit for an hour before rinsing. Remember to skip the pressure washer. For stubborn mold spots, mix one cup of trisodium phosphate for every gallon of water.
5. Check for Pests
Roof maintenance tips often tell you to watch for pests, but many people don’t realize just how important that advice is. Animals can hide anywhere, from under loose shingles to inside your rafters or your walls.
Under loose shingles, you most often find small insects like bees or termites. Bees frequently make their hives hanging from the eaves or in the corners of attics. Larger animals, like rodents or even raccoons, like the warmth of the walls or the insulation in your attic. Check every space for signs of animals: droppings, damage, and noise.
6. Document Everything!
Document damage, roof repairs, and your inspection. If you ever need to file an insurance claim, the more documentation you have, the better.
While you certainly need to document any damage you find, you can only benefit from tracking your spring cleaning maintenance on your roof, too.
When you hire a professional, they document their preventive maintenance, damage assessments, and any repairs. When a certified professional inspect your roof annually, you have all the tools you need for any future insurance claim.
7. Inspect the Flashings
Flashings are the angled aluminum strips on the edges of the roof. They are installed to help prevent water from building up, and to guide snowmelt, rain, and other water into the gutter. They should be flush with the side of the roof, so if you notice that there is buckling, rust, or other damage to the flashings, you should have your local GTA roofing company come out to take a look.
8. Check for Sag
Now that you have been on the roof, it’s time to come down to the ground level and examine your roof for a sagging roof deck. If your roof looks a little down in the middle and you suspect it may be sagging, it’s time to call the professionals to root out the cause and correct it.
Properly maintaining and inspecting your roof can keep it in good condition for years. Regular maintenance can also alert you to potential problems before they become costly. To help maintain your roof or request a free roofing installation company in Whitby