Spring is finally here after many months of frigid temperatures and heavy snowfalls. Spring doesn’t just bring warmer weather and longer days … it also means it’s time for spring cleaning. Many people don’t think to include their roof in their spring cleaning efforts, but they should. Here’s a spring cleaning checklist for your roof.
1. Inspect the Roof Thoroughly
It’s imperative that you do a general inspection of the roof’s overall condition. After a winter of snow and ice, there can be a lot of loose materials up there. Loose materials are a sign that your roof may have sustained water damage. Water damage visible on the surface almost always indicates that there’s far worse damage underneath. Furthermore, any algae or rust found on the roof must be taken care of immediately. Water is by far your roof’s biggest threat, so be certain that the winter weather did not damage your roof.
2. Check Your Ceilings
Any stains, cracks, or leaks in your ceiling indicate that there is water damage above. This water damage usually comes from ice dams and snow accumulation. Check out our blog about the consequences of not shoveling your roof. If you see stains on your ceiling, that means there’s water getting through your roof. It’s always best to get any water damage suspicions checked out by a professional.
3. Ensure Edging is Secure and Strong
Always be sure that the metal edging on your roof is intact. This helps water and debris to clear off your roof without being caught or stuck. If any of this appears to be loose or warped, then you should contact a roofing expert. They will tell you exactly what is going on right now and what might happen in the future if it isn’t fixed immediately.
4. Clean and Inspect the Gutters
It’s important to clean out your gutters and inspect their overall condition. Clogged gutters cause overflow, which compromises your house’s foundation. It can also cause basements to flood if it becomes serious. Leaves, twigs, and other things can easily get stuck in gutters, so it’s best to clean them manually on a regular basis. Then, it’s fairly easy to flush them with a hose. The actual functionality of your gutters depends on the grade and slope. Sometimes, a clogged or damaged gutter can cause still water or even reverse the water’s course. A contractor can perform a thorough inspection to make sure everything is in working order.
With over 40 years of experiences and dozens of positive reviews and testimonials, we are Milwaukee’s local roofing experts. If you have any questions about this spring cleaning checklist or anything else, don’t hesitate to contact us today.