Spring Roof Maintenance Tips

Spring is almost here. As the snow melts and the days get longer, it's more pleasant outside, but it also means it's time for spring roof maintenance. Snow and winter storms can wreak havoc on your roof and leave it in need of repair. The melting and thawing can cause ice dams on your roof that can damage your gutters, and high winds can damage your shingles. Spring is the perfect time to inspect your roof and identify any damage that may have occurred during the winter months. If you don't want to deal with a leaky roof all summer, follow these spring roof maintenance tips to ensure your roof is ready for the start of spring!

Performing a roof inspection is the best way to start your spring roof maintenance. To inspect your roof, walk around your home and check for any signs of damage or potential problems. You'll want to look for missing or damaged shingles, holes, or other damage. You may also want to get up on a ladder, check for any cracks in the roof or chimney and vents, and check all the seams and connections to ensure they are still properly sealed. You can perform a roof inspection independently, but we recommend calling a local roofing contractor. Roofers can identify potential issues quickly and make the proper recommendations for repairs. 

Loose shingles are a common problem in the spring. As rain and wind batter the roof, shingles can become loose. This can lead to water getting inside your home and causing significant damage. To fix this issue, make sure you remove any debris from your roof and replace any damaged shingles before it becomes a more significant problem. Shingles may seem like a quick DIY repair, but we recommend having a professional roofing contractor perform the repairs. Improperly repaired shingles can cause leaks which will cause severe damage to your roof and your home.

Gutters can be a huge factor in how well your roof will fare during storms. If you don't have gutters cleaned regularly, they'll clog with leaves and other debris. This will cause water to overflow onto your roof, which is bad for the shingles. If your gutters are clogged, rainwater may reach the fascia board instead of being drained into the gutter system. To clean your gutters, get up on a ladder and remove any debris blocking them; make sure you clear the drains. After removing all debris, using a hose or a bucket of water, rinse out any remaining debris and make sure your gutters drain properly. 

Cleaning your roof is also an important part of spring roof maintenance. Leaves and other debris on your roof will hold moisture and promote mould growth. They also give way to insects that may invade your home. During winter storms, tree branches around your home can break or be torn off, especially if they are old or overgrown. If these branches fall off and come into contact with your roof, they can tear off your shingles or even damage the structure of your entire roofing system. Remove all leaves, branches or other debris from your roof before the next storm hits. 

The last thing you want is to be surprised by a massive leak in the middle of summer. To prevent this, make sure you're looking for signs of roof damage like any cracks or holes in your roof and have them fixed by a professional roofer as soon as possible. This will save you from dealing with a flooded house or structural problems. You should also inspect your roof's flashing for cracks and damage. Your roof's flashing protects the roof from water, and if it's compromised, water will seep into your home and cause serious problems. This can lead to mould growth, which can cause various health issues for your family. To ensure you don't have any problems with your flashing this spring, make sure they're all intact and free of cracks.

Roof maintenance is a crucial part of homeownership. We recommend having your roof inspected and maintenanced twice a year to ensure it stays in peak working order. If you find roof damage and need roof repairs, call the roofing experts at United Roofing & Exteriors! We have performed thousands of roof repairs over the years, big or small, and you know you can count on us. We can help you fix your roof before minor issues become severe problems. Don't wait on roofing repairs. Contact our experts today!