The snow is melting, the sun is shining, and you can finally go outside in clothing that isn’t lined with fur. Spring can be an exciting time for you… and a hazardous time for your roof. It’s the perfect time to do some cleaning and roof maintenance to make sure that your roof is in perfect order.
Spring brings a new set of challenges for even the best roof. Standing water, clogged gutters, water damage, mould, and even heavy rain, can make your life a nightmare.
Here are some of our spring cleaning tips for a healthy roof:
Clean Your Gutters
A clean gutter is key to a healthy roof. The first thing on your spring cleaning list should be cleaning out your roof’s gutters. Twigs, leaves, mud, and other debris from the fall and winter can all lead to severe clogs.
Check to see if your gutters have any wear or weak spots. Gutters that have clogs, worn metal, and weak spots are bad news. These issues lead to an overflow of water during heavy spring rainfall, causing water damage for your roof and the foundations of your home.
Cleaning your gutters is one of the most important roof maintenance steps for the spring time. For a proper cleaning, and an inspection to make sure your gutters are in good shape, give us a call.
Clean Your Roof
A large part of spring cleaning is, obviously, cleaning. Like your gutters, your roof can experience build-up of dirt and mould during the winter. The best practice is to clean away debris and mould ASAP, before it can cause decay and structural damage.
As with many large projects, the easiest and safest choice is to call a professional, like Dilmar Group, for a thorough cleaning. We are experts who can safely clean your home and assess and repair damage and decay. As roof maintenance pros, we can save you a headache and a damaged roof.
For a DIY approach, be sure to use a cleaner that is compatible with the roof’s material. Harsh chemicals (such as bleach) may strip away colour and damage the shingles. Use a garden hose or sprayer with low pressure, as high pressure (such as that from a pressure washer) can also cause significant damage to your shingles.
Be sure to clean your gutters first for easy drainage.
Trim the Trees Away
Though a healthy, growing tree is a good thing, it can be hazardous for your roof. Long branches that hang over your roof can scratch and damage the shingles. In the event of a large storm, these branches may snap off and damage your roof further, even leaving holes that expose your attic. Pruning any wayward branches will reduce the amount of clutter buildup on your roof, and prevent any tree-related damages.
Check for Damage or Wear
Your roof will perform best when it is fully intact. Heavy snows, harsh winds, cold weather, and winter storms can all take their toll on your roof. The next step is checking your roof to make sure everything is in its proper place.
Winter and spring share many of the same signs of roof damage. Some of these signs are:
- Loose, cracked, curled, or missing shingles
- Discolouration
- Roof sagging
- Rot
- Leaks
- Holes in your roof, or sunlight in your attic
Additionally, keep an eye out for any patches of standing water — especially on a flat roof. Melting snow and ice, or rainfall, may leave standing water on your roof.
This is called “ponding.” Ponding can lead to many of the previously mentioned issues, with sagging, rot, algae, and damage being the most prominent. This can occur when your gutters are clogged, when there is too much material at the edge of the roof, or when the pitching of the roof was installed incorrectly. If you notice ponding on your roof, and your gutter is clean, call us. We can assess the situation and provide any roof maintenance necessary to solve the problem.
Following these steps to make sure your roof is in good shape will help you enjoy the warm weather. Your roof will continue to protect your home, and you can focus on flowers, sunshine, and allergies.
Want to know more? Give us a call. We have the answers to all your questions about roofs and roof maintenance. If you want to install a lovely new roof to go with the lovely springtime, we have all the best materials and methods to ensure your new roof is right for you.
