Essential spring roof maintenance includes cleaning gutters and downspouts, inspecting shingles for winter damage (cracking, curling, missing granules), checking flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights, trimming overhanging tree branches, clearing debris from valleys and flat areas, and assessing attic ventilation. Spring prep prevents costly storm season damage. Driftwood Builders Roofing offers spring maintenance inspections for Austin homeowners.
Spring is a lovely time of year! Trees are budding, flowers are blooming, and the grass is greening up. Springtime also makes those outdoor yard and house chores front and center as a homeowner, with roof maintenance being part of that list. To keep your roof healthy and happy this season and going forward, we made your list of essential spring roof maintenance steps.
6 Steps for Proper Spring Roof Maintenance
Periodically taking time to take care of your roof is going to pay you back with peace of mind and cost savings down the road. Roof maintenance is easily overlooked when other chores are on your list, so we’ve pulled together 6 spring roof maintenance tasks to help.- Water Damage You don’t need to go on your roof to examine for water damage. Plus, as a homeowner, you might not see any water damage anyway. But you will be able to spot water damage indoors. Review your ceilings in the main part of your home and your attic space for any signs of moisture. You may notice dark or moist dark areas, damaged drywall or wood, or even moisture buildup.
- Mold or Algae Have you seen green or dark spots or streaks in the valleys or corners of your roof? This could be mold or algae build-up from standing water or an area of your roof that is always in the shade or under a tree. This can be a sign to give your roof some attention and remove the debris, and trim any trees near your roof. It can also be unsightly, and removing it can quickly improve your curb appeal.
- Dirty Gutters Gutters filled with leaves, sticks, and other organic refuse will cause water to back up during rainfall. This water can back up to the roof line and start to harm your roofing components including the shingles, underlayment, and the wood decking. Cleaning your gutters will help a great deal.
- Damage Can you walk around your home and see any damage to your roofing structure? Do you notice any loose, torn, or missing shingles? Is the fascia in good shape? Do you see any worn paint, loose nails, or lifted wood sections? How about the flashing? Do you see it pulled up or cracked in any sections? These components work together to seal your home from the elements. If they see wear or damage, it’s time to have some repairs done.
- Bugs and Pests Have some flying or crawling bugs moved in under your roofline or shingles? If there have been a number of rain storms, pests can become prevalent. Have your roof treated by a pest specialist, and trim trees and bushes away from your home to prevent pests from using these as a path to your roof.
- Roofing Inspection Your favorite roofing professionals will be happy to come by and give you a spring roofing inspection. A trained roofing expert will know what to look for and be able to point out roofing issues a homeowner will likely miss. A roof inspection is your chance to catch roof problems before they become worse.