Springtime is known for many things, from warm weather and longer days to lots of rain and home maintenance. Speaking of maintenance, one area of the home that you will want to focus on during this time is your roof. To ensure that your roof does not require expensive repairs or replacements in the foreseeable future, there are a few preventative tasks that you will want to perform.
Schedule an Inspection
Being proactive is important to ensure that your roof remains in great condition. An in-depth inspection by a professional can help to uncover any existing damage that has occurred to your roof and any potential damage that may occur in the future. An inspection can help address issues quickly and ensure that your roof is ready for any challenges that may come your way.
Insulate the Attic
Without sufficient insulation and ventilation in the attic, warm air will escape the roof and cause the snow to melt. However, the snow will end up refreezing once it reaches the overhands. When this happens, ice dams will form. Ice dams can be dangerous, as they keep melted snow from properly draining off of the roof, which compromises the roof's structure. In addition, the moisture that is trapped can result in the growth of mold, which is a serious health hazard. Insufficient insulation will also cause your utility bills to be higher than necessary throughout the year. Therefore, it is important to make sure that your roof is sufficiently insulated.
Repair or Replace the Shingles
Due to the fact that the shingles serve as the primary line of defense against outside elements, any damaged or loose shingles make your home's roof extremely vulnerable to moisture intrusion and can potentially rot the wood beneath it. This type of damage can end up spreading through the roof, which can also damage the overall structure. Therefore, to extend the lifespan of your roof, shingle repair and/or replacement is necessary.
Clean the Gutters and Downspouts
Your gutters will become clogged with various types of debris, such as pine needles and leaves, which can result in stormwater and melted snow backing up rather than moving through the downspouts. Trapped water like this can end up penetrating the roof, impacting its overall structural stability and resulting in leaks. In addition, the formation of mold can occur, creating a serious health hazard. If clogged gutters are left unattended, they can result in a serious weight strain on the roofline, causing considerable damage.
For more information about tasks that need to be performed in the spring and before the summer, contact a residential roofing service.
