It’s time for rooftop spring cleaning!

By Pacific West Roofing. 

Is your roof ready for spring? Double-check with this guide to spring roof maintenance! 

Having your roof maintained might not be on the top of your spring-cleaning list, but it is key to keeping your home safe and extending the lifespan of your roof. Similar to how you should have your roof inspected every fall (see our winterization tips), this is a process that helps you avoid costly repairs or early roof replacements. There are plenty of professional roofing contractors who can inspect your roof for you! This is beneficial because they know exactly what to look for and can repair it too. And we here at Pacific West Roofing want you to be prepared, so here is a list of six things contractors can do to spring clean your roof! 

Getting up on a roof is dangerous for anyone who is not a trained professional and does not have the proper safety gear, which is why it is recommended to hire a reputable contractor to complete these tasks. Here’s our recommended spring roof maintenance checklist for contractors: 

1 - Remove all loose debris from the roof: Over the winter months, leaves, branches, pine and fir cones and other debris tend to collect on roofs. Even if you don’t have large trees around your house, it’s still a good idea to have a contractor blow off what they find. Left unchecked, debris accumulates in your roof valleys, around vents, chimneys and skylights, trapping moisture or causing water to back up under shingles which can damage your roof’s sheeting. 

2 – Have your roof treated for moss: Besides trapping moisture, moss growing on your roof will pull the granules off of your shingles and could cause your roof to lose its warranty. We recommend having your roof treated with a coating of zinc sulfate in early spring right before moss is in bloom. 

3 - Clean the gutters and downspouts: Debris accumulation in your gutters can cause a host of problems beyond the more obvious one of water overflow. Gutters clogged with leaves and other debris can lead to pest infestations, rot and water damage to your roof and siding. Gutters weighed down by debris are also at risk of pulling away from your house. Even if you have gutter screens, it’s still a good idea to have your gutters inspected and make sure they are free of any debris or impediments. 

Remember to have your downspouts checked too, as these can also become clogged. You should be able to hear water flowing through downspouts — if you don’t, something is wrong. We recommend having a clean-out screen installed in your downspouts to keep your ground pipes from clogging, which can be costly to have cleared. 

4 - Inspect the roof for loose or missing shingles: Winter storms can wreak havoc on a roof, no matter the age. So, it is always a good idea to have your roof inspected in the spring. Any missing or damaged shingles should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent possible leaks and further damage. If there are missing shingles, you should also check your attic for any signs of leaks.  

If you have a shake roof, you should also look for signs of rot. Rodents have been known to burrow down through rotten shakes and make themselves at home in the attic below. The damage can be extensive and costly to repair. 

5 - Inspect the flashing around pipes, vents, chimneys and skylights: Look for any signs of damage, including splits, cracks and aging or missing caulk. Have these repaired right away to prevent leaks and water damage to the roof. 

Original article source: Pacific West Roofing 

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