Spring is a great time to inspect your home’s roof for necessary repairs or maintenance. Properly maintaining and inspecting your roof will ensure safe protection from the elements for years.
M&A Roof Home Improvement in Williamsburg, VA, has put together this helpful guide on spring residential roofing maintenance tips that should be followed annually.
The first step in roofing maintenance is to check for any damage that occurred over the winter months. Check for loose nails, cracked sealants and wear and tear areas.
Make sure to look inside your attic, where you may be able to see a spotlight coming through a hole in the roof or other signs of damage.
Clogged gutters and downspouts can be dangerous if rainwater isn’t able to flow properly away from the house, leading to damage and water pooling. This makes gutter cleaning a crucial part of your spring maintenance.
With the help of a ladder and a trowel, inspect your gutters for debris like leaves or dirt that may have gathered in them over time.
If necessary, use a hose on low pressure to flush out any pebbles or sediment stuck along the edges of each rung section. Make sure everything is connected correctly so water can drain appropriately.
Inspect your shingles for any signs of damage, missing nails or areas where the material may have shifted or broken off. Ensure no loose edges are protruding from the roof, as those can lead to further water leakage and even more repairs down the line.
It’s important to double-check your roof for any visible signs of leakage. Again, you can use a spotlight in an attic to explore all possible angles of roof damage.
If there has been a recent severe storm or battering from high winds, the possibility of fractures is higher and should be inspected with greater care.
Areas where the roof surface meets a wall or any other object, should be well sealed. Inspect for peeling seals and make repairs if necessary to avoid potential leakage in the future.
Flashing, a layer of waterproof material used around chimneys, pipes, vents and edges, may require additional sealant over time as standard caulking can break down due to weathering and UV rays from sunlight.
Make sure to scan the roof for signs of moss or algae growth. Although commonly experienced only in harsh climates, mold and lichens can appear particularly if your home’s location is damp.
Have a professional inspect any significant accumulations and replace broken tiles where needed.
Finally, it’s common for squirrels or other animals to reside on your roof. Inspect the edges of your roof and make sure there are no openings available for them, as well as take caution around any noise coming from inside that could indicate a wild animal.
Regularly inspecting your roof and dealing with any damages is key to getting the best protection for your home this spring.
If you’re wary of going up on the roof or need an expert eye for potential repair or maintenance, M&A Roof Home Improvement serves the Williamsburg and Norfolk, VA, area.
In addition, we also offer siding and roof installs in Williamsburg, VA. Contact us at (757) 779-5244 to schedule an appointment.