The changing seasons provide a natural timetable for many household chores homeowners need to address in order to maintain their property. As many lose the hour associated with daylight savings time, springing forward signals individuals to not only change the batteries in their smoke detectors but they also begin to think about all of the upcoming yard work, such as mowing, planting, and weeding. It is also the time of year many people elect to do a little household cleaning on the inside.
While all of these preparations are taking place as everyone thaws out from another cold winter, there is one important area of the home that many people tend to forget. Details and care are seemingly always given to the kitchen and bathrooms, perhaps even the carpet or windows and blinds receive some special attention, but rarely do homeowners think about cleaning their roof.
The roof, you say? Yes, taking appropriate steps to clean the roof over your head can help to keep your home protected for years to come. Not only do the shingles themselves need an appropriate inspection but there are other areas commonly associated with a property roof that need to be given attention as well. By following these spring cleaning steps for areas associated with your homes roof, you can rest easy when the spring rain showers arrive, choosing instead to focus on other areas of your property.
EXCESS DEBRIS
A quick look up from the ground should reveal any excess debris that has accumulated on the rooftop during the course of the winter. If you have any tree branches, leaves, pine needles, or other unwanted materials gathering on your roof, then take measures to get them removed immediately.
Once on the roof surface, a closer examination can be given to the structure and removal of any excess can be completed. If pine needles, especially, are left to gather on the roof then they can quickly find their way into the gutter system causing even more damage and the potential for water to backup and begin encroaching on the home. By clearing your roof of any unwanted debris, a clean slate can be prepared for the spring season and any further build up is not adding to an existing issue.
FLASHING
Roof flashing should also be inspected while up on the property clearing any debris. The spring of the year provides a good time to complete an annual inspection of this material and ensure that your home remains protected from the elements as well as economically efficient.
Areas around the chimney or any exhaust openings should be checked to ensure the seal remains tight, in addition to any wear or peeling that may be showing. For metal connections, typically associated with other surfaces – awnings, eaves, skylights, and dormers there should be no light between the two materials. Also, the connection should remain flush and show little to no signs of wear.
Rubberized materials should be solid and absent of any cracking or peeling. These are usually associated with vent pipes exiting through the roof of a home. A quick observation of each area should be sufficient for determining that your flashing remains serviceable during the upcoming season.
TREE LIMBS
Any tree limbs laying on the roof have already been discarded but while on top of the structure look around for any potential future problems. Limbs and branches that are already in contact with the home should be cut back to keep them from causing any damage when moving with the wind. Also, if you have larger branches overhanging the roof they may also be cause for concern.
Overhanging tree limbs can damage your roof if not identified early and removed. Whether you have limbs already in contact or those that have the potential for damage by falling, quickly eliminate both issues by getting rid of those in question.
MOSS
Another concern and something that should be addressed is moss on the roof. Caused by moisture in the air and typically on a shady side or area that has been covered by other debris, moss build up can create hazards by trapping other materials on the roof while keeping rainwater and snowmelt from flowing freely into the gutter system.
Getting algae and moss off the roof will require actual cleaning as opposed to much of this spring cleaning list which involves inspections. Pressure washing is not recommended as the power behind applied water could cause more damage than needed, but there are cleaning solutions available for regular spraying and brushing (if needed).
MOLD
Mold may not be visible on the roof itself but if detected, then cleaning and a further inspection should be warranted. If your spring inspection reveals any potential problem areas then consider looking underneath the roof and in your home’s attic.
Here you may find issues associated with the mold and potential causes (ventilation, moisture, etc.) that need to be addressed as well. If the problem is too severe, seeking the help of trained professionals may be best for any hazardous conditions.
With a wealth of knowledge and experience, quality service has been our priority in Denver and the surrounding area for years as we handle any and all roofing needs. Arvada Roofing and Construction has been completing roof installations, evaluations, and multiple other exterior household projects or associated services for nearly two decades. Their highly trained experts can provide an estimate on any repair, remodel, or now construction project, if needed, as well as any inspection you wish to have completed. Should you find yourself in a situation where you are concerned about the effectiveness of your roof or already have an issue, we are here to help. Our certified and extremely knowledgeable staff is available to handle any construction or roofing job and provide a variety of other services such as seamless guttering systems, or any potential damage analysis thought to be caused by severe weather for the purposes of insurance reporting. Contact us today online or call 303-432-2753 for your free estimate on any of the above mentioned projects!