- Introduction
Arguably, the most important part of your structure, your roof, protects you from the effects of time and weather. This is why we believe that it is important to keep up with its maintenance. From blowing off fallen leaves during Fall to eliminating ice dams in the Winter season and much more, different seasons require different types of maintenance considerations to keep your roof in good shape. This article explains how to tailor your roof maintenance efforts to each season, and how doing so can extend its lifespan and increase its value.
- Keeping Up With Your Roof Throughout The Changing Seasons
Just like you need a tailored routine for each season of the year for your health, you also need specific maintenance routines for your roofs. This is why we have prepared the following list, giving you a better idea of what you should do as the weather changes.
Keep reading to learn how you should handle your roof as the seasons change.
- Springtime Roof Maintenance
As the first rays of the Spring sun begin hitting your roof, it’s time to get to work. As with every season, the first thing you should do is inspect your roof for damage. Check for cracked flashing and missing shingles that might be the result of the cold season. Next, clean gutters and downspouts to remove debris and ensure smooth water flow and prevent backup. Inspect your ceilings and walls for any signs of leaks and trim off any overhanging branches that could damage your roof during storms.
- Summer Season Roof Maintenance
Next comes the summer season. Now that the temperatures are rising, it is important to get on top of your roof and take care of any kind of UV damage or potential heat retention your roof might be subject to.
Look for cracked and curled flashing and fix it. Assess attic ventilation once again to ensure your ACs don’t have to work overtime and, once again, cut off any overgrown branches that could fall or scratch your roof during summer storms. Finally, use a gentle cleaning agent and brush to clean your roof, getting rid of any possible moss and algae to extend its lifespan and prevent costly repairs.
- Fall Season Roof Maintenance
The arrival of Fall means that you’re preparing your roof for the upcoming winter season. In this case, being thorough with your roof inspection and maintenance is a good idea. Clean your gutters once again to remove fallen leaves that could turn into clogs in the future.
Inspect the insulation on your roof to ensure your home stays warm during the colder months and your electricity bills remain manageable. Look for and fix any damage around your skylight and chimneys to prevent water damage, and finally, address any missing shingles to save yourself the discomfort and expense that come with wind damage.
- Winter Season Roof Maintenance
Finally, the winter months. The temperatures drop exponentially, and no one wants to go through the hassle of a major roof repair or replacement during these months. This makes roof maintenance non-negotiable. Inspect your attic insulation thoroughly to ensure there is no heat loss during the cold season.
Use a roof rake to gently remove snow and ice to prevent water damage and reduce the excess weight on your roof. Keep an eye out for ice dams and use heat cables to melt them away to prevent water damage. After every storm, get someone skilled and experienced to conduct inspections, and in case you see any stains on your ceiling or upper walls, have them check for leaks to prevent water damage.
- Roof Maintenance: Why Go To All This Trouble?
Now that we’ve established how to take care of your roof throughout the changing seasons, you might be wondering what the advantages are, aside from the obvious ones, of carrying out these routine roof maintenance practices.
Let’s take a look at some perks of taking good care of your roof
- Prolonged lifespan: A well-maintained roof is bound to last longer than a roof that you forget all about after you have it installed.
- Prevent Costly Repairs and Replacements: If minor issues are addressed before they become major ones, chances are you won’t need to invest thousands of dollars in fixing and replacing your roof. Thus making it a cost-effective roofcare practice.
- Raised Property Value: When putting up your house on the market, buyers are likely to pay the asking price for a house that has a clean, well-maintained roof, because they know it’s been taken care of meticulously, and the integrity of the house they’re purchasing is in good condition.
- Final Thoughts
Routine roof maintenance is an often-neglected, yet crucial part of your roof’s integrity that should be tailored to the changing seasons. From preventing ice dams in the winter to fixing loose shingles in the Spring season to so much more, these small preventative actions ensure that your roof stays strong and sturdy for a long time.
- FAQs
How often should I have my roof inspected?
According to experts, you should have your roof inspected at least once a year.
How important is professional roof maintenance?
It’s essential for catching roofing issues early on and preventing costly repairs and replacements shortly.
What kind of maintenance do I need for my gutters?
Clean them regularly to prevent blockages and consider installing gutter guards to lower the risk of debris build-up.