A Guide To Preparing Your Roof For The Spring Season

Now that winter is coming to a close, it's a good time to inspect your property for any underlying winter damage. During the winter, heavy snowfall, wind, ice, hail, and rain may cause extensive damage to your roof. After the final frost, it's critical to do a thorough spring roof check from top to bottom.

With the start of spring, it's critical to assess if your roof requires upkeep and/or repair. Thus, it is recommended that these checks be carried out twice a year, at the beginning and end of each key season.

Moreover, the more frequently and carefully you inspect your roof, the less likely it is to require repairs or replacement. For your benefit, there are several methods for inspecting and repairing minor roof damage in time for the upcoming spring.

Listed below are the maintenance steps on how to take care of your roof.

1. Plan A Roof Inspection

During the winter months, a lot may happen. There are several problems that might arise due to a dangerous season of snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. However, if the temperature begins to rise, it is important to take immediate action to mitigate the harm. As soon as spring comes around, it's a good idea to look at your roof.

Late February or early March is a good time to schedule an inspection with a professional contractor. The roof will then be evaluated by a specialist from the roofing service, who will propose any repairs necessary to maintain the roof.

If there is evidence of flashing damage, the technician will take note of them. Damage to the HVAC equipment curbs is also assessed. While on the roof, the expert will also thoroughly inspect perimeters, walls, and penetrations.

2. Wash The Rooftop Surface

While waiting for your roof to be assessed for possible concerns, it's crucial to take steps to prevent problems from occurring by keeping your roof free of obstructions. In addition, snow and ice may be harsh on roofs, requiring springtime roof deep cleaning to prolong the lifespan of the roofing and improve its appearance.

An accumulation of dirt on the roof can quickly turn into a significant mold problem. Hence, you can keep the surface free of undesired microbial development by using an industrial pressure washer and roof cleaning products.

To avoid long-term damage to your roof, make sure to use the right equipment when clearing your roof. This seems like a simple task, but it is important. Also, consider consulting with a specialist before doing this on your own since you may end up doing more harm than good.

3. Clean Out Gutters

This is, without a doubt, the most critical item on your spring roof cleaning checklist. Over the previous months, your roof has endured a lot of harm, and regrettably, your gutters have absorbed that abuse.

Fall and winter are prime times for tree leaves to fall, which might wind up in your gutters along with other debris built up during the season. As a result, your gutters are most likely clogged with leaves, dirt, and other waste.

It may also be clogged with nests and, in some cases, wild animals. It is now imperative that you empty your gutters to guarantee a safe and steady flow of water during the April rains. Moreover, when working on or near your roof, always proceed with caution to avoid any mishaps. If you're using a ladder, be sure it's properly locked and secured before attempting to climb up. You can also hire a professional to do it for you if you’re not used to cleaning gutters.

4. Trim Nearby Branches

Clearing any branches that hang above your roof as a safety precaution will help you avoid further damage. In the event of a spring storm, hanging branches may topple onto your roof, resulting in roof damage.

You can prune back branches that pose a danger to your home. When you prune your trees, make sure there is a minimum of five to seven feet between the branches and the edge of your roof's eaves.

In this case, you can either hire a tree-cutting service or do it yourself. Nevertheless, err on the side of caution and make sure you take all required safety precautions before proceeding.

5. Check For Signs Of Leaks

Water is a major risk to your home's safety. Mold and mildew might be a result of roof leaks. Although broken pipes are a probable source of dark water stains on ceilings throughout your home, it's a good idea to inspect your roof if you see dark stains on ceilings.

Look for signs of leaks on the roof while cleaning it. While you are on it, examine the surface materials. You can also inspect any locations that might be damaged by extreme weather, such as the vents, downspouts, edges, and membrane.

Once roof leaks are discovered, they should be repaired as soon as possible. Doing so as soon as possible will save you money in the long run. You can hire a skilled and experienced roofing contractor to get the job done professionally.

6. Tune-Up Your HVAC

Poor ventilation can lead to ice damming and a number of other issues. Sadly, many of these problems occur from the roof. Hence, you have to check the HVAC system during your roofing inspection to ensure there are no issues that might affect its function.

Once your equipment has been inspected, get it to its optimum condition. Gradually put your HVAC system through its paces so it can get used to operating at its most efficient level. In addition, if you have an attic, inspect its ventilation system to ensure optimum airflow.

7. Prevent Corrosion

Those who have metal roofs should keep an eye out for any symptoms of rust, which can lead to permanent damage. To start, a wire brush and sandpaper are needed to remove surface rust. You will need to do a lot of scrubbing around the affected region.

Furthermore, a high-pressure washing is required, followed by a thin layer of roofing cement being applied to all of the scuffed places. This can aid in preventing rust from re-forming and may also be used to repair any visible holes or tears in the roof's surface. Again, hire a skilled and experienced roofing contractor to get the job done and prevent additional damage.

Wrap-up

Having finished the work of preparing your roof for the upcoming year, it can be a relief to know that you've completed a necessary task. With extra time on your hands, you can think about more exciting things like grilling on the back deck with your family or relaxing by the pool worry-free.