Winter can be hard on your roof. From 2000-2013, American’s claimed almost $9 million dollars in losses from hail alone! So, after the long winter months, it’s important to do some spring maintenance to keep your roof healthy for another year.
We’ve put together a list of some helpful roof maintenance tips so that you can keep your roof in great shape for many years to come! Read on to find out what they are!
1. Perform a Visual Inspection
It’s important that you go up on your roof and check to make sure things look good. If you never inspect your roof, you won’t know there is a problem until you spring a leak, and nobody wants to deal with that!
Here are a few things to keep an eye out for:
- Check the state of your shingles. Make sure you don’t spot any peeling or cracking. In some cases, you may be able to replace just a small section of damage rather than the whole roof, but only if you catch the problem early enough.
- Check your gutters. In addition to checking them for debris like leaves, check to see if there is a lot of asphalt accumulating in them. This could be a sign that your shingles are wearing out and may not be protecting your roof as well as they could be.
- Clear Debris. If you find any branches or other debris, clear it off the roof.
- Document Damage. If you find damage, take pictures. This will help with damage repair and with filing homeowners insurance claims.
It is a good idea to perform roof inspections at least once a year.
Remember to be safe. Only go out on your roof if it is dry and the slope is not too steep. Always let someone know what you’ll be doing before venturing up onto the roof, and have them check in on you.
2. Keep Your Gutters Clear
Leaves and all kinds of debris accumulate in your gutters. It’s important that you clear them out at least twice a year. Allowing them to fill up with debris will cause improper drainage which can cause damage to your roof and even the foundation of your house.
You can do it the old fashioned way, by using a ladder, gloves, and a bucket. A wet/dry vac can be a nice easy way to clear your gutters, and they sell attachments that extend your reach and have a curved end to the hose so that you can clear the gutters without the ladder.
3. That Moss Has to Go
Moss and fungus growing on your roof shingles is not a good sign. It is destructive to asphalt and wood shingles. Moss will decrease the lifespan of your roof by weakening shingles, possibly even leading to leaks.
To remove the moss, you can use a hose (not a pressure washer, you’ll damage the shingles) and a solution of 50/50 bleach and water. For detailed instructions, check out this article!
When DIY Roof Maintenance Isn’t Enough
Proper roof maintenance will help your roof last for a long time. Unfortunately, sometimes there are problems you just can’t take care of yourself. When that happens, you need professional roofers to get your roof back in shape.
We have a solid team of experienced pros who would love to assist you with your next roofing project. Contact us today for a free estimate!