As the weather starts to warm up, now is the time to think about getting your roof ready for the spring season. Whether you have to deal with the aftermath of winter storms or just get ready for the rainy season, you must make sure your roof is in good condition. Here are some tips to ensure your roof is ready for whatever the spring weather throws at it.
ROOF INSPECTION
Spring weather can affect the condition of your roof, which can have an impact on its longevity and performance. Thus, a springtime roof inspection helps to guarantee your home’s roof is structurally solid and safe.
Hire a roofing contractor to check the external surface of the roof for indicators of damage or deterioration, such as absent or fractured tiles, felt or lead damage, compromised flashing, inadequate ventilation, water pooling, and any indications of dampness or watermarks.
The technician should also the walls surrounding your gutters and beneath your eaves for water stains or blotches. These stains may indicate that your gutters restrict the passage of precipitation water to the ground.
Additionally, they must examine the interior of the roof for symptoms of mildew or mold, which can indicate a leaking roof. Finally, the roofing contractor will examine key areas such as the chimney, rooftop windows, skylights, and plumbing vents for signs of wear and damage to the boots and seals.
Once the roofer finds any prospective problems, they should address them before they become expensive issues after spring. During the repair procedure, your technician will replace any missing shingles and all flashing. Your tech can add more ventilation to prevent moisture buildup and mildew.
Also, familiarize yourself with your homeowner’s insurance policy, as some policies can reimburse the cost of repairs if Mother Nature causes harm to your roof.
GUTTER CLEANING
Cleaning your roof in the spring prevents damage that might occur from the warm and wet weather. During the winter months, detritus such as branches, leaves, and other materials can accumulate on your roof. Thus, roof cleaning will remove these materials and prevent the growth of vegetation and other factors that can cause roof damage.
The most critical component that requires roof cleaning is your gutters. If your gutters are full of debris, water can back up through the gutter system and damage your roof. You can safely reach the gutters with a ladder and discard any leaves or detritus that accumulated inside. If you feel unsafe or if your home is too high for your ladder, contact a professional.
TREE CARE
Spring is the optimal time to inspect and maintain the trees surrounding your home. Pay close attention to the tree branches, and remove any fragile or disintegrating branches to prevent roof damage.
Cut back any trees or shrubbery that touch, hang over the roof, or are close to it. Rogue branches can cause damage to the roof’s shingles, slates, or felt by rubbing against it. In addition, overgrown branches can obstruct the roof’s drainage, which can lead to water accumulation and infiltration.
ROOF COATINGS
Roof coatings protect it from sun damage, mildew growth, and moisture accumulation. Without a protective coating, these variables can cause severe damage to your roof’s structure.
Your roof technician can also apply zinc or copper strips along the apex of your roof. As rainwater runs over them, the water will interact with the strips and release minute amounts of zinc or copper ions, which can inhibit moss growth.
Lastly, you can use a specifically designed treatment to prevent the proliferation of moss and algae on your roof. Typically, your technician will apply this substance with a sprayer or roller.
Contact us at iHome Designs if you reside within Northern New Jersey.