Despite the continual storms Northern Utah is experiencing, spring is fast approaching, which means it’s time to do your annual spring roof maintenance.
Punxsutawney Phil may have predicted six more weeks of winter, but it will be springtime before we know it. And with the warmer weather comes spring cleaning and preparing your property for the new season. One of the best things you can do for your home is to give your roof some much-needed care and attention.
Being a homeowner means staying on top of spring property maintenance, and we have all of the roof maintenance tips you’ll need this season. Continue reading to learn more below.
7 Spring Roof Maintenance Every Homeowner Needs
Homeownership comes with a lot of responsibility, and in that lengthy spring-property maintenance list is general roof maintenance to make sure it functions properly and efficiently. It’s important to go through your roof maintenance tips and checklist several times a year to ensure the most critical component of your home is as safe and functional as possible.
Here is your spring property maintenance list for your roof:
1 – Clear Off Debris — Snow, rain, and sleet aren’t the only things blowing around in the wind during the winter. Anything can get picked up in heavy winds and find itself on your roof. That’s why it’s crucial to clear off all debris from your roof come springtime. Whether it’s small particles like pine needles, leaves, acorns, or something bigger, such as broken tree limbs or pieces of roofing material, everything that shouldn’t be on your roof should be removed.
2 – Remove Nests — Between little animals making their shelters for the winter months and birds making their nests as they return north; the roof and gutter system is an excellent place for them to call home. For them, anyway– not so much for the homeowner. While it might be tempting to share your home with these little critters, it can actually be a bad idea.
Squirrels, birds, and other small animals that might make their home in or on your roof can cause a lot of damage. They can destroy parts of your roof by burrowing, gnawing, chewing, and pecking. This is why professionals strongly recommend clearing off all nests you see (fully formed or those in the beginning stages). The sooner you do this, the better because once these animals lay eggs or have their babies, they can become incredibly territorial, protective, and aggressive if you try to move the nest.
3 – Look for Moss, Algae, and Mold — Depending on the location of your home and the direction it sits, your roof might be susceptible to moss and mildew growth. Excess moisture can result in moss growth, so by removing debris (leaf piles, pine needle buildup, etc.), you’re already doing a lot to stop it from growing.
Moss can be super problematic for your roof but not nearly as harmful as mold. Mold will eat away at your roofing materials and can result in leaks that lead to other serious problems. Whether it’s moss or mold, taking action fast is key.
If you do see that moss is already growing, don’t worry! There are tons of chemical solutions you can buy at your local big-box hardware store that will help get rid of the moss. If continued moss growth concerns you, you may want to consider installing copper or zinc strips for your roof’s outline. If mold is your issue, it’s best and most effective to bring in a professional to handle the job.
4 – Trim Back Trees — One of the best roof maintenance tips we have that will serve you all year long is to trim tree limbs that are either touching or are getting too close to your roof. Tree limbs that are too close pose a serious threat to the safety and integrity of your roof. These branches can scrape up against your shingles, causing them to prematurely lose their protective granule layers. This can result in an accelerated deterioration rate and the need for a roof replacement sooner than anticipated.
Moreover, heavy winds, rain, and snowfall can cause branches to break and land on your roof (which might be the best-case scenario) and damage the roof. If this happens in the middle of winter or the rainy spring months, you’ll be stressed and rushing to get repairs to avoid further issues like water damage. Avoid this by trimming branches that are getting too close to your roof.
5 – Keep an Eye Out for Missing Roofing Components — Only when conditions are safe and you’re up on your roof, look around for any shingles, vents, gutters, flashing, and any other roofing elements that are loose, damaged, or missing. It’s not uncommon for roofing components to become dislodged during a windy winter.
If you see any damage, it’s important to schedule a trusted roofing contractor to come out as soon as possible and make all necessary repairs. When you wait to make these repairs, any damage can worsen. Therefore, the sooner you have these issues repaired, the better.
6 – Clean Your Gutter System — A clogged gutter system means an ineffective gutter system. Keeping your gutters clean (which means cleaning them out at least twice each year) is a big part of roof maintenance and can significantly extend their lifespan and reduce the chances of running into water damage issues. Winter winds and snowfall can bring a lot of unwanted particles into your gutters, and if they aren’t cleaned out, your gutters cannot work properly.
Make sure to remove leaves, nests, twigs, pine needles, and all other debris. And you will want to remember the downspouts too! If there are any issues with your gutters, make sure to address them right away. Leaving the damage can result in worse problems down the line.
7 – Opt for Professional Inspections and Repairs — Many homeowners opt for a DIY project, but few are successful. Save your time and money by skipping the do-it-yourself disaster and opting for a professional to do your inspections and repairs. A trusted roofing contractor will have years of experience and a well-trained eye to notice issues (even underlying problems you weren’t privy to).
Contact We Do Roofing SLC Today!
Looking for help with your spring roof maintenance? The professionals at We Do Roofing SLC are here for you. Our team has decades of experience and is confident we can help you with your commercial or residential needs. Contact us today for your quick quote.
