A healthy roof is what keeps the rest of your home protected from the elements, which is why it’s so important to follow some simple steps each spring to see what maintenance, if any, your roof may need.
In the following article, we’re going to cover five of the most important steps you can take to keep your roof healthy and extend its lifespan.
1. SCHEDULE AN INSPECTION FROM A PROFESSIONAL ROOFING CONTRACTOR
This may sound like a hassle, but it doesn’t have to be. To begin, you don’t need to pay for a roof inspection. At Legacy Exteriors, we don’t charge for a roof inspection because we want to make it as easy as possible for a homeowner to keep their roof in tip-top shape. A complimentary inspection gives a homeowner peace of mind without any financial obligation. That said, we also take pictures of any issues we identify during an inspection and share with the homeowner so it’s clear to see what’s happening on the roof.
Identifying any damage from the winter — including points of entry for rain, weak spots or loose/missing shingles — is key in avoiding larger issues down the road. While your roofing contractor is checking out the roof, they should also inspect the exterior of the chimney, plumbing vents, gutters and skylights, too.
2. ATTEND TO YOUR ATTIC
Your attic might not be something you think about much, but it’s an important step in preparing your roof for spring. Here’s what to look for …
First, bring sufficient lighting (a powerful flashlight should do) and inspect the roof deck’s underside and rafters. Look for signs of water stains, black marks or mold, bowed boards, or a strong mildew smell. You’ll also want to check the insulation in your attic to make sure there’s no mildew. If you DO find mold or mildew, you might have a leak in your roof. Checking the attic is so important because if you do have a leak in your roof, the attic is one of the first places that signs of moisture damage present themselves.
3. SHINGLE INSPECTION
As mentioned above, shingles are one of the things you’ll want to have inspected on your roof. Yes, you can do it yourself, but it’s also something that would be done during a roof inspection.
Here are the types of issues to be on the lookout for when inspecting your shingles. Shingles that look cracked, loose, curled, or just plain missing. Loose and missing shingles can often be seen without getting on the roof or a ladder — but this is only part of the inspection process.
You’ll also want to be on the lookout for fast spreading dark spots on your roof, or excessive loss of the shingles’ granules. Both of these are signs that your roof may need to be replaced soon.
If any issues are found, having them tended to ASAP will help keep the cost of repairs, and any actual damage to your home, to a minimum.
4. GUTTER INSPECTION & CLEANING
Inspecting gutters is typically part of any good roof inspection. Keeping gutters properly pitched and clear of debris is an important facet of roof health.
If you’re cleaning out the gutters yourself, remove any debris, and also check to make sure downspouts are draining properly. In addition, take a look at the siding by your gutters, and under the eaves, to see if there are any water stains or spots. If there are, your gutters may not be draining properly.
If you’d like to avoid cleaning your gutters, you can have Master Shield gutter guards installed, for virtually maintenance-free gutters.
5. TRIM THOSE TREES!
When the Wisconsin winter set in, you may have noticed tree branches bowing and scraping on your roof. This can cause damage to your roof, and it’s best to have any and all branches that are close to the house trimmed back so this doesn’t worsen over time. In addition, if tree limbs look loose, damaged, or weak, they should be removed before they fall and cause roof damage.
In addition to snow and ice, heavy winds and spring rain can cause tree branches to sway or simply snap off — so it’s important to schedule a tree trimming ASAP. And if you have a tree that is unhealthy, it may be time to remove it altogether.
We hope these tips for preparing your roof for spring prove helpful. If you need help with a roof inspection, need an experienced roofing contractor to make some repairs, or simply have questions, feel free to contact us anytime. We’d be happy to stop by your home!
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