Your roof is the first line of defense when protecting your home and assets. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the more costly investments you make as a homeowner. Extending the lifespan of your roof and getting the most of your investment requires maintenance and care.
As the seasons change, so do the impacts on your roof. Here are the seasonal roof maintenance tasks to add to your list.
Spring Roof Maintenance
Spring maintenance is all about finding and repairing any damage caused by the winter months. This period is the best time to schedule inspections and repairs before the rainy season starts.
Schedule an Inspection
Call your local roofing expert to schedule an inspection for your roof after the snow has cleared. According to the experts at Kanga Roof, quality roof repair in Sterling Heights, a roofing inspection is the best way to find and prevent leaks after the winter. During the visit, the roof specialist can make any minor repairs as needed, saving you a significant bill down the road.
When you have your roof replaced, consider looking for a roofing company that offers customer loyalty programs and warranties to offset the cost of annual inspections.
Check for Moisture
Spring is also a smart time to check for moisture in the attic. If there were any minor leaks, excess moisture could lead to the development of black mold. In addition to being harmful to your health, mold removal is incredibly expensive.
Excess moisture doesn’t always indicate a problem with the roof; it could also be a ventilation or HVAC issue. Consider checking these systems as well for your spring maintenance.
Summer Roof Maintenance
Summer tends to be the high season for roof replacements. Fortunately, this season doesn’t require as much maintenance work as the others.
Check for Moss Growth
One task to keep in mind for the summer months is monitoring your roof for moss. Moss tends to grow in moist, dim environments. If you had a rainy spring or have shade-casting trees over your roof, your shingles are at risk for moss growth. While this plant is generally harmless, it can eventually root through your shingles and cause damage to the wood underneath by letting moisture through.
As moss spreads quickly, schedule a removal treatment as soon as you notice growth.
Fall Roof Maintenance
Fall is a maintenance-heavy season for roofs. Your goal is to clear debris and prepare your roof for winter.
Clean the Gutters
If you live in an area with beautiful trees or high winds, it’s integral that you clean the gutters during the later fall months. Proper drainage is essential to move water away from your roof— especially as the snow melts.
Tree Trimming
As mentioned earlier, shady trees contribute to moss growth. Trimming trees back during the fall also helps prevent breakage that could cause damage or block the gutters during the winter.
Replace Shingles
For many areas, fall is hurricane season. If you’ve experienced any high winds during the summer and fall, you should replace any missing shingles before the winter comes. This simple task will help prevent leaks and keep your home properly insulated.
Winter Roof Maintenance
The winter is a dangerous time to be on your roof. However, some simple maintenance is necessary, especially in areas with extreme winter weather.
Check the Chimney and Flashing
Before the winter picks up, have your chimney cleaned and inspected. Check the flashing to ensure your home is properly sealed. The flashing check is often a part of seasonal roofing inspection services and isn’t necessary to repeat if you conducted this task in the spring.
Snow Clearing
Snow clearing is a big issue for the winter months, as heavy snowfall on an older roof could cause extensive damage. If you have above-average snowfall, contact your local roofing expert about snow removal or installing ice melt socks.
With these seasonal roofing maintenance tasks, you can protect your investment and prevent further home maintenance costs.
