With Spring right around the corner, it is time to make sure your roof is in tip-top shape. While you may already be planning to schedule one of your recommended biannual professional roof inspections, there are some DIY cleaning and maintenance tasks you can tackle in the meantime.
Check out this run down of some basic roof maintenance chores to ensure your roof is in the best possible condition ahead of the hot summer months.
Remove Any Debris and Detritus from Your Roof
If it has been several months since your last cleaning or inspection, chances are you will have a certain amount of debris — leaves, twigs, moss, small branches, etc. — attracting insects and retaining moisture that may harbor mold and mildew.
With caution, you can clear your roof by hand or possibly a leaf blower, however, if the amount of debris exceeds your confidence in DIY cleaning capabilities, you should contact a professional roofing company.
Remove Mildew and Mold From Your Roof
If you have mold or mildew on your roof, follow these simple steps:
- Use a hose with a spray nozzle.
- Do not pressure wash your roof as it may damage your shingles.
- Cover your roof with a bleach and water solution.
- Let it sit for at least an hour before rinsing.
- Rinse your roof with the hose.
If the bleach and water solution is ineffective, you can repeat this process, or try some over-the-counter mold and mildew removal products.
Check For Loose Shingles
Inspect your shingles closely. Look for loose or damaged shingles and note what needs to be repaired or replaced to stop existing or potential leaks.
If the damage is not extensive, you may be able to replace or repair damaged shingles yourself, however, a professional roofing company will always do the best job to ensure your roof is completely leak-free.
Clean Your Gutters
One of the most important aspects of roof maintenance is making sure that your gutters are clean and clear. Clogged gutters will not allow rainwater to properly drain, leading to leaks and potential water damage.
Safety is always the first step. Make sure your ladder is secure. Using some sort of scraping or scooping tool, clear all visible debris from your gutters, dumping the gunk onto a trash bag or tarp spread out below.
The downspout is a bit trickier. Use a hose to run water through the downspout to test for any clogs. In the event of a clog, a plumber snake is useful to dislodge whatever is impeding drainage. If all else fails, you can disassemble the downspout or contact a professional service.
Inspect the Attic
It is also imperative to thoroughly inspect the attic, especially in areas where there may have been shingle damage on the roof. Check for signs of water damage. If there is any considerable water damage or notable mold proliferation, you will need to contact a restoration and mold remediation service.
Don’t Forget to Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection
Once you’ve ticked all the boxes on the spring cleaning checklist, don’t forget to contact a professional roofing company for your roof inspection and necessary repairs. Contact the industry experts over at Gurr Brothers Roofing to guarantee your roof is impeccable, impenetrable, and sealed up for the summer!
