Summer is the perfect season for home maintenance, and your roof should be at the top of the list. With clear skies and longer days, it’s a great time to check for damage, clean debris, and keep your roofing system in peak condition.
But while some roof maintenance tasks are simple DIY projects, others are best left to the professionals.
Gurr Brothers Roofing wants to help you understand where to draw the line between weekend warrior and when it’s time to call in the experts.
What You Can Do Yourself
First, let’s explore some DIY-friendly roof maintenance that’s typically okay to tackle yourself (within reason).
- Clean Gutters and Downspouts: Clogged gutters are one of the leading causes of water damage. You can safely clean them out using a sturdy ladder, gloves, and a garden hose. Look for leaves, twigs, and roofing granules that might signal wear.
- Remove Debris: Branches, leaves, and even nesting materials can pile up on your roof during the spring. Gently removing debris with a leaf blower or soft broom helps prevent water retention and mold growth. Just avoid using pressure washers, which can damage shingles.
- Visual Inspection from the Ground: Take a walk around your home and look up at your roof. Look for missing shingles, warped sections, or sagging areas. Binoculars can help you spot trouble spots from a safe distance.
- Check Your Attic: Signs of roof damage often show up inside first. Check your attic for water stains, mold, or daylight coming through the roof boards — these are signs you may need professional repairs.
For more resources on seasonal roof maintenance, read our articles:
What You Shouldn’t Do Yourself
Here are the summer roofing maintenance tasks best left to the professionals (even with DIY project experience).
- Walk on the Roof: It might be tempting to climb up for a closer look, but walking on your roof is risky. Not only could you injure yourself, but you might damage shingles or flashing without realizing it. Steep slopes and older roofs are especially hazardous.
- Shingle Replacement: Replacing a missing shingle seems like a simple fix, but improper installation can cause more problems than it solves — like leaks or voiding your roof warranty. Leave this to trained roofers with the right materials and expertise.
- Flashing Repairs: Roof flashing—those thin metal strips that seal roof edges, valleys, and joints — is a common source of leaks. But repairing or replacing flashing is a precise task that should be handled by professionals to ensure a watertight seal.
- Moss or Algae Treatment: While it’s okay to brush off small patches of moss, full removal or chemical treatments should be done by a pro. Harsh cleaners or scrubbing can strip away protective granules on shingles and lead to premature aging.
Leave It to Gurr Brothers Roofing
Summer roof maintenance doesn’t have to be stressful. By handling basic upkeep and contacting Gurr Brothers Roofing for the tough stuff, you can protect your home, extend the life of your roof, and avoid costly repairs.
Our licensed professionals are here to provide safe, efficient, and expert roofing services — so you can enjoy summer worry-free.
