Winter is tough on your roof. That’s why it’s critical to conduct a spring roof maintenance checkup prior to and after the season. The spring maintenance checkup is especially important because the increased wind, snow, ice and wet conditions of winter wear down roofing materials and often drop debris that needs to be cleared. Since it is often difficult, if not impossible, to work on a roof when these conditions are present, spring is the perfect time to address any issues caused during the winter months.
It’s best to have a thorough checkup performed by a professional, which is why Gen 3 Roofing offers complimentary comprehensive roof inspections. We recommend scheduling your post-winter checkup as soon as possible. If winter has caused extensive damage to your roof, you want to get things fixed before leaks can begin. In the meantime, here are a few points of inspection you can perform yourself.
1. Inspect Your Roof From the Ground
Shingles are the first line of defense on your roof. When you’re working through your spring-cleaning checklist, make sure to pay special attention to them. There are a number of things to watch out for but try to do an examination as best as you can from the ground. Getting on your roof can be dangerous and should be avoided as much as possible.
If you notice any missing or damaged shingles, make sure to get them replaced immediately. A missing or damaged shingle causes a weak spot in your roof and exposes your infrastructure to damage such as flooding, molding, and rot.
2. Check Your Roof From the Inside Out
An often-overlooked step for spring cleaning your roof is checking inside for any damages. Go into your attic and take a look from the inside out. If you see any sources of light, it’s likely that you have a hole somewhere in your roof. You should also look for any water damage and mold/mildew growth. If you don’t see anything but you do smell something, don’t ignore it. This indicates that there is something somewhere that you can’t see. Call the professionals so they can come and give you a more thorough inspection and pinpoint the source of your problem.
3. Clean Your Gutters
After the winter months have passed, chances are they’re clogged full of debris and withering leaves. If the draining system isn’t working properly then it’s likely that your shingles, siding, soffits and more will be vulnerable to damages.
The first step is cleaning out all of the visible debris from your gutters. Once you’ve cleaned all of the visible areas, move to your downspout. While this can be a bit more complicated to clean, it’s one of the most important parts of your gutter system. It’s what actually drains water off and away from your home and needs to be unclogged in order for everything to work properly. Try using a hose or a plumber’s snake for hard-to-reach areas.
Once you’ve successfully cleaned your gutters, check for any damage. Make sure nothing is sagging, there are no holes and you’re not missing any fasteners.
4.Trim Branches
Some of the biggest threats to your roof, believe it or not, are trees. Hanging branches and overgrown vegetation can threaten the integrity of your roof. The best way to avoid damage from your yard’s trees is to trim the branches. If you don’t have the proper equipment, consider calling a professional arborist.
The added benefit of trimming the branches of nearby trees is that you will spend less time raking out leaves from your gutters in the future. Taking care of this step during the spring is also much easier than waiting until everything is in full bloom.
Nearly 24% of homeowners say they do not have regular roof inspections completed for their home. This oversight can be costly by reducing the lifespan of your roof. Keep your roof in its best condition and keep roof repair costs reasonably low with regular inspections and maintenance. When you hire a professional not only will the entire process move more quickly, but you’ll be sure that nothing was missed during the inspection.
Don’t pass on your yearly inspection; spring is the perfect time for repairs and preparation for the warm summer months. The roofing professionals at Gen 3 Roofing have the experience and expertise to provide you with a comprehensive inspection both inside and out. Schedule your no-cost, no-obligation roof inspection today or give Gen 3 Roofing a call for more information at 303-923-5039.
