Signature Exteriors

Shingle damage on residential roof

4 Roof Maintenance Tips for Spring

Out of sight and out of mind is the mentality most people take regarding their roof, which, if left unchecked, can quickly turn into a costly roof maintenance project. Think of spring roof maintenance as a part of your annual spring cleaning routine. The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) recommends that homeowners perform a roof check-up at least twice a year. We recommend performing this maintenance once in the spring as it is the rainiest season of the year. Without regular general maintenance, you may end up with more roof leaks than you had to have. You can complete the check-up yourself by following the spring roof maintenance tips below or by hiring a professional roofing company to assist with your roof check-up.

Looking for a roofing company in Charlotte? Signature Exteriors offers complimentary roof inspections and roof maintenance services. Contact us today at (704) 729-4898!

#1 – Check your Gutters

Gutter maintenance

Perform an inspection of your gutters at least twice a year, ideally in the spring and fall. You want to ensure that your gutters are not clogged and that the water is flowing as designed. Suppose your gutters are clogged with leaves and debris. In that case, any water they capture will be trapped within the gutters/overflow onto your roof and can cause roof leaks, deterioration of your gutters or fascia, and soffit damage. Clogged gutters holding water can pull away from your fascia due to the additional weight and can cause many problems on your home exterior. Always be sure to use proper safety protocols when you inspect your gutters, such as ensuring your ladder is on solid, level ground and securing the ladder at the top to prevent slipping.

 

Gutter Guards

When clearing debris from your gutter, make sure to remove all sticks, leaves, needles, and seeds by scooping the debris out with a garden shovel or a gloved hand. Do not remove the debris with a hose, as you can cause your downspout to clog further. Once all large debris is removed, you can rinse the area to flush any residual matter with a garden hose. If you want to protect your gutters from debris, ask your local roofing contractor about gutter guard options like LeaFree!

 

For more gutter repair and gutter maintenance tips, check out Signature Exterior’s guide on gutter repair!

Or watch our YouTube Video on the most common gutter issues and how to fix them! 

#2 – Remove any Moss Build-Up

Moss on shingle roof

With spring being the rainiest season of the year, the moisture caused by the rain can cause algae, mold, and mildew to gather on roofs. Spores from algae, moss, and mold are easily carried by the wind and can spread from one structure to another. While algae might not appear to cause a lot of damage, mold and mildew can cause visible damage to your home. Both thrive in moist areas, so if you spot any on your roof, you may have a roof leak. Moss can also lead to your asphalt shingles curling and increases the likelihood of losing the shingle during any storm that produces high winds and, in turn, allows moisture to penetrate other layers of your roof. That moisture can result in mold, which can decay your roof’s decking entirely and lead to more extensive interior damage. Before contacting a professional, you can try spraying any areas where moss or mold is growing with liquid chlorine bleach and water mixture (1 cup of liquid chlorine bleach for every gallon of water). Once applied, allow the solution to sit on the spot for at least 15 minutes and then thoroughly rinse the area with clean water. Use extreme caution when completing this to ensure that none of the chlorine bleach solution gets on your skin and that none of the roof cleaning solution makes it onto your landscaping as it can kill any foliage it contacts.

Signature Exteriors is partnered with IKO, a global leader in manufacturing residential shingles, who wrote a complete guide about how to remove moss from your roofing shingles. Click here to read more!

 

#3 – Check your Attic for Signs of a Roof Leak

Wood in attic showing roof leak

Checking your attic can be a strong indicator for any leaks you may not yet be aware of, especially during the spring season, as it is the rainiest time of the year. As part of your Spring roof maintenance, go into your attic and look for any water stains, standing/stale water, mildew odor, sagging ceiling, or discoloration. These signs can point to a leak that may require a roof repair.

Tip from the roofing experts: If you inspect your attic space and see any outside light coming through, call a professional to help waterproof the area until you can have a roof repair performed. If there is light getting through, so can water. This type of issue may require more than roof maintenance and should be evaluated by a roofing contractor.

 

#4 – Shingle Roof Maintenance Tips

Shingle damage on residential roof

 

During your spring roof maintenance, check to see if you can locate any buckling, curling, or blistering shingles, as this indicates the end of the shingle’s functional life expectancy and may require a roof repair. Also, make sure to check for any loose material or wear and tear around chimneys and other penetrations on your roof. If you are not comfortable getting on your roof, you can perform these inspections by walking the perimeter of your home and looking at the roof from the ground. A pair of binoculars is a helpful tool to assist with a visual inspection performed from the ground.

 

If you’re not sure what to look for during your spring roof maintenance or would have more peace of mind by having a professional roofing contractor perform the inspection, reach out to Signature Exteriors today. We are more than happy to come out and inspect your roof and provide you with a detailed report of our findings and perform any spring roof maintenance you may need. Call today at (704) 729-4898 or click the button below, and our team will reach out to you!

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