When warm weather rolls around, we don’t always consider roof upkeep in our list of Spring-time duties or projects. Between gardening, cleaning, yardwork, and general tidying up, there’s already so much that needs to get done on ground level that our roofs often go overlooked. As it turns out, Spring is the perfect time to evaluate the condition of your roof and take note of any needed repairs. It won’t be long until the harsh weather conditions of Winter return, and when they do, it’s best to be prepared with a roof that is confirmed to be free of dirt, debris, and damage. The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends that homeowners hire a professional roofing contractor to perform a roof inspection twice a year. Only a pro roofer has the expertise and knowledge to fully assess a roof’s condition. However, for the many homeowners who would rather perform an inspection or attempt repairs themselves, here are a few tips for roofing maintenance in the Spring. As always, safety is the number one priority when performing DIY home maintenance. Make sure you have all the necessary tools and equipment needed for the project, and are aware of the hazards and risks associated with these tasks.

Check the Gutters

One of the more obvious roof areas to glance over is the gutters, which should be checked twice a year. Clean gutters are crucial for proper water drainage and overall roof health. Check for debris such as leaves, twigs, pods, seeds, dirt, and other material that may have accumulated and could be impeding water drainage. The longer it’s been since you last cleaned the gutters, the more build-up there will likely be. Once you’ve removed as much debris as possible from the gutters, use a hose to blast any remaining dirt and grime away, then flush out your downspouts to ensure a clear passage for water flow. 

spring roof maintenance tipsCheck for Moss, Mold, and Algae

Algae and fungi thrive off of moisture, and our roofs are often subject to high volumes of moisture throughout the year–especially for those of us living in more humid environments. Check your roof shingles or tiles for any signs of moss, mold or algae. Moss can be removed with store-bought chemicals, or in severe cases, you can install zinc or copper strips on the ridgeline to eradicate moss growth. While algae and moss can be unsightly, they don’t have the potential to cause damage like mold does. Given enough time and moisture, mold can eat through a roof and lead to leaks and other problems. Patches of mold can be eliminated with simple chemicals such as diluted bleach.

Check for Overgrown Tree Limbs

Many houses have nearby trees whose limbs can grow over the roof and cause a number of issues. In addition to rubbing against and degrading shingle granules, they create shady areas that can encourage and prolong moss or mold growth. Tree limbs are also a source of unwanted debris, as they drop branches, twigs, leaves, and pods onto the roof. The organic matter can coalesce into clumps, creating moisture pockets that mold growth can thrive on. Overgrown tree limbs cause a host of issues for your roof and should be removed as soon as possible. However, homeowners should exercise extreme caution when attempting to remove overgrown tree limbs themselves, as it entails numerous hazards.

Check for Roof Damage

Regardless of what may have led to roof damage, it needs to be addressed immediately before the problem becomes worse. Check for signs of damage on your roof, including gutter damage, missing or broken shingles, and damage to your chimney or vents. Many roofs with chimneys or vents will have flashing installed to direct water flow away from walls and other areas. This flashing material is also susceptible to damage, and should be checked for holes or corrosion and repaired as necessary.

Call a Professional

While some basic Spring roof maintenance tasks can be performed on your own, it takes a professional to properly analyze and assess the full extent of repairs that may be needed.  DIY roof maintenance also poses many safety hazards that can pose significant danger to someone without experience in roofing.  National Home Improvement has been providing roof installations and repairs for over 20 years. Our roofing professionals treat each roof as if it were their own, and are trained to perform services in a safe, efficient and thorough manner. If you’re feeling challenged by DIY roof maintenance and are ready to consult a professional, contact us today to arrange an inspection.