Spring Cleaning: Don’t Forget Your Roof

19 May 2022

As the frigid winds of winter begin to dwindle, and the warm sun rays of spring begin to spread, it’s time to think about the health and appearance of your roof. The winter weather can be cruel to a roof, so it’s crucial that you take the right measures to ensure that your roofing structure is ready for the springtime. This blog post will act as a checklist of things you should look for when spring cleaning your roof.

Clogged Gutters

Clogged gutters can lead to excess water that can seep into the foundation of your home, which can cause severe damage. Remove any leaves, dirt, and debris from the gutter, and use a hose to clean out the downspout. Ensure that water can easily flow through the gutters—your gutters need to be clear so that springtime rain can flow freely.

Tree Limbs

Remove any fallen tree limbs and ensure that no limbs from a nearby tree are grazing the roof. Tree limbs are known to damage the integrity of a roofing structure. Tree limbs that are on the roof will obstruct the sunlight that is needed to dry out winter’s moisture.

Pine Needles and Leaves

Leaves and pine needles needs can easily collect moisture, which can spawn unsightly mildew. In addition to that, leaves and pine needles are the main culprits of clogged gutters, and it’s imperative to swiftly remove them from your roof.

Moss

If your roof is visibly green where it shouldn’t be, your roof is likely suffering from an outbreak of moss. Removing moss from your roof is not only necessary for its appearance, it’s crucial for its lifespan. To prevent the formation of moss, the best natural agent is sunlight, and your roof needs plenty of it. Once moss has accumulated, it can be like a sponge—keeping the roof’s surface damp, while causing shingles to deteriorate. Simple cleaning agents like oxygen bleach solutions can remove the moss. You can prevent moss from returning with a strip of copper at the top of the roof.

Missing Shingles and Damaged Chimneys and Vents

Missing shingles and flashing around the chimney and vents can cause major disruption in the safety and functionality of your roof. If you suspect your roof to be damaged in some way, the best thing you can do is to immediately fix it. If not, your roof will be extremely vulnerable to weather hazards that can wreak havoc on the rest of your home.

Hire a qualified roofing contractor like Mountain West Roofing to inspect the health and appearance of your roof.