Spring Maintenance Tips For Your Roof

Spring is here! Is your home ready? Is your roof ready?

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home; it protects you and your belongings from the elements, provides heating and cooling capabilities for your home, and it increases its value by adding beauty and function simultaneously. Spring is a perfect time to assess whether you roof is still doing the job, or if you need to call in the troops to assist in cleanup measures. How can you maintain and extend the life of your roof, making it ready for all the sunshiny days that spring and summer will bring?

Why regular maintenance is essential
Regular roof maintenance allows you to take proactive care of your roof, reducing energy costs and costly replacement. Here are some other reasons that regular maintenance on your roof is needed:

• It will help reduce damage to your home and belongings
• It will help you to efficiently identify problems before they become large ones
• It will save time and money that result from incurring costly damage
• It will improve the look and feel of your home
• It will protect your home from the elements

The need for regular roof maintenance is clear; here are some ideas for spring cleanup and maintenance that will add years to your roof and keep money in your pocket:

1. Have your roof regularly inspected
The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends that you have your roof inspected at least twice a year—-every spring and fall–to keep damage, wear, and tear at bay. The cost of an inspection is quite small compared to some of the other expenses you might incur if you don’t regularly check to see what is happening on your roof. Make an appointment with Champion Roofing and get on a regular maintenance schedule; budget the cost of an inspection in every sixth months, and you’ll be taking proactive measures to protect your home.

2. Trim your foliage and trees
Pruning trees and other foliage around your property will help to reduce roof damage. Not only will pruning help to reduce the likelihood of incurring damage when severe weather occurs, it will keep your roof clean and free from debris that can cause water to pool and cause leakage. Experts recommend keeping a six foot area clear all around your home for a clean roof.

3. Get rid of debris
Upon inspection, if you do find debris such as leaves, branches, mud, or standing water, do your best to clear the area and allow it to dry. As you remove debris from shingles, flashings, and gutters, check for areas of weakness—missing or cracked shingles, granules in your gutters, and flashings that don’t fit properly. The more you can keep your roof clear, the better it will perform for you.

4. Prevent moss growth
Moss has the ability to hold onto moisture long after everything else has dried. This excess moisture makes your wooden roof deck susceptible to leaking and rotting, two conditions that shorten the life of your roof dramatically. Do what you can to regularly check for and clear moss, and keep your roof clean and free from debris and overhanging foliage so it doesn’t have the chance to bloom.

5. Got mold?
Got mold? You’d better do what you can to get rid of it. Mold also has the ability to hold onto and trap moisture, which is going to do long term damage to your shingles and your roof deck if not properly removed. If you see signs of mold growth, call in a professional to eliminate the problem. Most companies use a non-toxic solution that you can spray and forget, and it will wash off over the course of the next few rainy days.

6. Keep gutters and downspouts clear
Keeping gutters and downspouts clean and clear is essential for protecting and extending the life of your roof. A gutter that is clogged with animal nests, debris from trees, mud, and other items that slow the flow will cause water to back up onto your roof, causing it to pool and cause damage, leaking, and rotting of the wood deck and perhaps even your walls. As you inspect your roof every six months, make sure gutters and downspouts are clean and free from debris. Your clean, dry roof will protect you for years to come.

A clean, beautiful roof that protects and preserves your home is something that every homeowner wants; you must be proactive about care and maintenance in order to ensure you get the most shingle for your buck. In doing so, you’ll extend the life of your roof and save valuable time and money. Call today to set up your spring inspection, and you’ll be well on your way to preserving your home for years to come!