Spring Roof Maintenance
Longer days and warm weather are a harbinger of much awaited spring. Spring time, however, brings the task of outdoor home maintenance to the top of the to-do list. One of the important outdoor areas for spring maintenance is the roof. Here are a few preventative steps you can take to help avert costly repairs or replacements in the future.
Schedule a professional roof inspection:
A proactive approach is crucial to keeping your roof in optimal condition. A thorough inspection by a roofing contractor can uncover any damage to the roof as well as identify areas of potential problems. This can help address issues in a timely manner and prepare your roof for weather challenges.
Insulate the attic:
Without proper attic insulation and ventilation, warm air escapes the roof to melt the snow; however, the snow refreezes when it reaches the colder overhangs, forming ice dams. Ice dams prevent melted snow from draining off the roof and potentially compromise the infrastructure of your roof. Additionally, the trapped moisture can lead to the insidious growth of mold, posing a health hazard.
Attic insulation is a critical component of the roofing structure and vital to the health of the roof.
Maintain the chimney:
The chimney is part of your roof system; problems stemming from a poorly maintained chimney can affect the roof. In addition to causing chimney fires, the decaying masonry from a neglected chimney can fall on the roof and cause damage. Furthermore, decayed chimney flashing allows water seepage that can quickly spread to the roofing system around the chimney, rotting and weakening its wood components.
Regular chimney maintenance helps protect the roof by identifying any potential issues.
Repair or replace shingles:
Since shingles are the roof’s primary line of defense against the elements, loose or damaged shingles can make your roof vulnerable to water intrusion and rot the wood sheathing beneath. This damage can spread across the roof, threatening its structural integrity.
Shingle repair is an integral part of roof maintenance that helps extend its longevity.
Clean gutters and downspouts:
Gutters clogged with leaves and debris cause the melted snow or storm water to back up instead of deflecting it away from your home through the downspouts. This trapped water can penetrate the layers of the roof, affecting its structural stability and causing leaks. It also generates mold formation that can infiltrate the interior of your home, creating a health detriment. If left untended, clogged gutters can also pose a weight strain on the roofline and the fascia, causing significant damage.
Trim tree limbs:
On windy days, overhanging tree limbs can scrape and gouge your roofing material, compromising the integrity of the roof. Furthermore, leaves and pine needles that collect in clumps on the roof can expose the roof to moisture intrusion, deteriorating shingles and promoting the growth of algae and moss.
Tree trimming and gutter cleaning remove any obstruction that impedes the natural drainage system of the roof and prolong its aging.
