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At Family Roofing, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

 

Spring Roof Maintenance Tips

Cleaning and yard work are commonly at the top of your to-do list in the spring.  One of the most important aspects of outdoor home maintenance is also one of the most frequently overlooked – your roof!  Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home.  It protects you and your family from the elements, keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer, and adds value to your property.  But like all other parts of a house, the roof needs regular maintenance to keep it in good condition.

Below are spring roof maintenance tips:

Clean out and maintain your gutters

Gutters that clog up can cause a lot of damage to your roof.  The reason for this is that water accumulating on gutters can easily make its way underneath your roofing structure.  By keeping your gutters clean and in good repair, you ensure they can serve their intended purpose, alleviating any immediate dangers to your roof in the process.

Do a shingles inspection

Check for any missing, curling, or worn-down shingles.  You can do a partial visual check from the ground if you aren’t comfortable about stepping up on your roof.  If you’re confident in your ability to inspect your roof, be sure to use a sturdy ladder and ask a friend to be there for safety.  Call a professional for an thorough inspection.  Any shingles with cracks, curled edges, or loose nails should be noted. It may be time for a roof repair or replacement this spring if you detect extensive sections of damaged shingles.

Check for algae or mold

It’s not uncommon to notice mold or algae growth on your roof throughout the winter since moisture collects on it.  Remove all debris from your roof.  Keep an eye out for these pests while you’re inspecting your shingles.  Call with a professional to schedule a roof cleaning.

Trim Overhanging Branches and Remove Fallen Leaves

If you have overhanging branches close to your roof, it’s important to trim them back regularly.  Not only will this help protect your roof from damage, but it will also improve the appearance of your home.  Make sure to use a ladder when trimming branches so you can reach them safely and be careful not to damage the shingles or gutters in the process.

Fallen leaves can quickly build up in gutters and cause blockages, leading to water damage on your roof.  To avoid this problem, regularly remove any fallen leaves from your property. You can either rake them up yourself or hire a professional leaf removal service to do it for you.

Keep Your Flashing in Good Condition

One part of the roof that requires regular attention is the flashing.  Flashing is a metal strip used to seal joints between different types of roofing materials, and if it isn’t kept in good condition, it can lead to leaks and water damage.  The best time to do this is after a big storm with a lot of wind and rain.  Look for bent or broken pieces and any signs of rust or corrosion. If you find any damage, repair it as soon as possible.

If your flashing is clogged with debris, water will not be able to drain properly, which can lead to water damage.  Use a hose to clear debris build-up and check for leaks or damage.  If you spot any potential problem areas, it’s important to repair them as soon as possible to avoid more serious issues in the future.

Make Sure Your Roof is Properly Ventilated

Roofs that aren’t properly ventilated are much more likely to suffer from water damage.  To help prevent this, make sure your roof is properly ventilated by checking for any missing or damaged ventilation screens. If you spot any problems, replace or repair them as soon as possible to ensure good airflow and prevent overheating.  You may also want to install an attic fan or a ridge vent – both of which will help improve your roof’s ventilation.

Inspect for Rust

If you constructed your roof using any metallic parts, then you need to check regularly that there is not corrosion/rust on the metal parts.  If you notice rust developing, it’s important to wire-brush to remove the rust, prime and finally paint the affected areas of the metal to retain keep them healthy longer.

Maintain Your Chimney

If you notice cracked or missing mortar on/in your chimney, ensure you replace this as soon as possible.  This is critical part of roof maintenance since the mortar holds the chimney bricks in place, and if any brick falls out, it could cause damage to your roof.

Hire a Professional for More Extensive Roofing Work

While you can do many maintenance tasks yourself, if you spot any major damage or an area that needs more work than you feel comfortable doing, it’s best to hire a professional roofer.  A good roofer can thoroughly inspect your entire home and ensure that your roof is in good condition.

They will also be able to recommend any necessary repairs or maintenance tasks and help you get the most out of your roof for as long as possible.  Whether you need to replace a section of roofing or perform some routine maintenance, having a professional take care of things will ensure that your roof stays in good shape and lasts for many years.