The snow is melting, and the temperatures are rising; this, of course, means that it’s time to get your roof ready for spring. With so many people taking part in the infamous spring cleaning, there’s one more part of your home that everyone should add to their to-do list – roof maintenance. Your roof has been through a lot for months, from chilly temperatures to storms beating its surface and moisture working its way into gaps.
The beginning of spring is the perfect moment to set aside some time and give your roof the spa treatment it needs. Additionally, you will also be helping to prepare for the new weather-related extremes that are coming soon with summer. Of course, this will be a more difficult task for some done for others. For example, people in a snowy area likely already have metal roofing protecting it. This would mean that their roof will be much easier to prepare. On the other hand, if this is your first time being hit with a strong winter storm, you’re going to have a lot more on your hands. Let’s go through the five best tips, strategies, and tactics, all of which will help you rejuvenate and breathe life into your roof.
Do your roofing homework for spring
There are plenty of resources out there regarding things like reviewing your roof by yourself and roof inspections. Additionally, you should do some research regarding some of the most common signs to look for when checking for damage from a storm or bad weather. A great idea would be to compile all of those signs into one comprehensive checklist. That way, you’ll always have everything you need to remember at hand. Another thing to check out when it comes to preparing to get your roof ready for spring is the hidden expenses. Experts from usantini.com remind you to check out things like renting storage units in case they are necessary or professional cleaner expenses for heavy-duty debris buildup.
It’s best to set aside some time when you can review all of these things. This way, you’ll have all of the necessary information which you will need to properly get ready for the process of getting your roof ready for the spring. If you know the proper way to inspect your roof, you’ll be able to effectively discern what must be done and what you can skip.
Gutter debris buildup spring cleaning
It makes sense why the next thing on your to-do list would be to inspect and clean your gutters. There are four main things to look out for when inspecting your gutters before spring:
- Missing paint
- Dents
- Cracks
- Debris buildup
It’s common for yard waste (leaves, branches, dirt, seedpods, etc.) to collect and build up over the winter and fall. This makes spring the perfect time to conduct a deep system cleaning. Additionally, while you’re checking out the gutter system, you could also do a quick inspection of the roof from the ground. If you see any dirt building up there, you could clean that as well. Just make sure to be safe and follow all of the necessary precautions.
When it comes to dents and cracks, a small amount of damage is enough to indicate that replacement time is approaching. However, it’s imperative that you renew your gutter system right away if you see any holes or serious deformation. Various issues can come up if your gutter system is neglected. Certain pests can create a home within the debris. Rainwater can collect, causing moisture buildup/backup and leaking. And if your gutters become too heavy, they can start tearing away from the roofline.
Check and (if necessary) repair the attic ceiling
The next thing you should do to get your roof ready for spring properly is to do a deep inspection of your attic. Your attic is a great tell of the condition of your entire roofing system. If you find certain kinds of serious damage there, you might be looking at a full roof replacement. And the first thing you should look out for, of course, is water. Whether it’s leaks or damp spots, all of that should be addressed right away. Of course, if you can’t fit into your attic area, you will have to rely on the outside view. Some of the most noticeable signs of damage to look out for would be:
- Dark spots which are wet to the touch
- A moldy smell
- Discoloration on the wood underlayment
- Visible holes and cracks
- Warping around venting or plumbing stacks
If the worst ever comes, make sure to take advantage of the necessary roof replacement. There’s no need to be economical about one of the most important parts of your home. It needs to last. Make sure to hire professionals, use high-end materials, and be creative. For example, you could use the opportunity to install some eco-friendly features on your roof or increase the construction angle to create a more comfortable attic area.
Check your roof for outside damage
Once your gutters and attic are in check, it’s time to move on to the outside of your roof. Keep in mind that this is a dangerous task. If you don’t have experience, it’s something that is best left to professionals. If you are comfortable climbing the ladder or getting on your roof, however, you may be able to DIY it.
There are distinct levels in terms of what you can find. You should first look for missing, dented, or otherwise warped shingles. These can all represent minor damage. However, if you live in an area with heavy storms or hurricanes, you may encounter the others end of the spectrum. These would be heavy damages like holes in the roof.
If you find the latter, serious calculations are in order. Especially if the damage has spread through the rest of your home, you may be surprised by the fact that proper calculations sometimes show that it would be cheaper to sell the home as-is and move away than it is to a full renovation and repair. If this is the case, this spring might just be the season to pack your things up and get ready for your move to your new damage-free home.
Get a professional to help you get your roof ready for spring
It’s common for homeowners to miss details and be unaware of the necessary safety precautions they have to take when inspecting and repairing their roofs. This is why some things are simply better off left to the pros. They will be able to notice even the little things that indicate issues. They’ll be much safer. And, of course, they’ll be able to give you some professional advice for the future.
Let’s conclude with a final tip
To finish off this list of the most important steps you have to take to get your roof ready for spring, let’s discuss a very important roof longevity tip. Hiring professionals for repairs and conducting regular and detailed checkups for your roof is extremely important, regardless of the season. Regular inspections are one of the best ways to extend the lifespan of your roof. Springtime cleaning and preparation is undisputedly the most important of the lot. However, we also recommend having good consistency about it by including the fall into your annual routine. Additionally, you can use all of the tips and ideas in this article whenever a strong storm hits your area. Remember that with due diligence, your roof should serve you well for years to come.
