Warm sunshine, blooming flowers, and the clean scent of freshly mowed grass are almost here! With spring just around the corner, we know that you are ready to get outdoors. Along with your lawn and garden maintenance, you want to make sure that you add these springtime roof maintenance items to your checklist!
1. Clean Your Gutters
Leaves and debris can fill up your gutters quickly. You likely had no desire to clean them out during the cold winter months, so as soon as nicer weather hits, you should get up there and clean them before any problems arise. If you are uncomfortable or unable to clean your gutters, we recommend getting them cleaned professionally.
2. Do a Walk Around
Before attempting to get on your roof, you should do a walk around. All you have to do is walk around your home and examine the exterior. Check to see if you have any damage to your gutters, such as cracks, holes, loose fasteners, or other signs of damage. Examine the exterior of your walls for molding or discoloration. Plus, take a peek at your landscaping to see if you have any puddling or river markings, a clear sign of a leak. If you want the best walk-around results, especially since you have already cleaned your gutters, do it when it is raining to see your systems at work.
3. Perform a Roof Inspection
If you are able to perform a roof inspection yourself, the first thing you need to address is your safety. Please perform adequate safety procedures when getting on/off the roof and during the inspection. You should always have a buddy with you as well.
When performing the inspection, make a note of the damage and anything that looks out of the ordinary. Check your shingles, roof valleys, flashing, eaves, and skylights for any abnormalities. Make sure to notice any sagging or squish to the roof as you walk around, as it may indicate a leak. In addition, look carefully for mold or algae. While performing your inspection, we recommend taking pictures so that you can identify any roof deterioration over the years.
Please note that if you are unable or uncomfortable getting up on your roof, don’t do it! Injuries and deaths are sustained every year from improper roof safety, and we want to ensure that you remain safe. If you are unsure about getting on your roof (for whatever reason), it would be best to hire a highly trained roofing professional to do it for you.
4. Remove Debris
While you are on your roof, take a moment to clear or debris such as fallen tree limbs, trash, or anything else that shouldn’t be up there. Of course, be very careful when doing this and if it seems at all dangerous, have a pro take care of it.
Hire a Pro
As we said above, getting on a roof is a dangerous job, even for a professional. We recommend hiring a professional to clean and inspect your roof and gutters to ensure the safety of yourself and your home. You can trust Lance Roofing to be your springtime maintenance solution. Give us a call for more information today!