Spring roof maintenance tips for homeowners

Sponsored content provided by Guy Roofing

As we say goodbye to the long winter and look ahead to spring, are you sure your roof is up to the task of keeping your home safe and dry? With increased precipitation on the horizon, timely roof maintenance is key to the protection of your home.

Here are five essential roof maintenance tasks you should complete this spring and how to know if your roof needs repair.

Clean the gutters

Leaves, twigs and other debris can get caught in your gutters over the winter months, blocking downspouts and creating backups that can lead to water issues around your home. Clean gutters and be sure all drainage components are secure and sturdy.

"If you have asphalt shingles, pay attention to how much granular debris has made its way into the gutter from the roof as this can indicate that your roof is nearing the end of its useful life," says Zeke Martins, Director of Sales for Guy Roofing.

Check for damage

Minor roof wear or damage can quickly escalate to a leak if not caught early, but there are several easy things to look for so that you catch any issues in time. Cracked or curled shingles and missing roof tiles are a red flag and easy to spot from the ground. Be sure to note any damage or wear to roof valleys. These roof valleys shunt water to the gutters, making them more susceptible to water infiltration.

Look for mold

Discoloration or dark streaks on your roof could mean mold, moss or algae. Not only does this affect curb appeal, but it can damage and significantly reduce the lifespan of your roof. If left alone, mold could potentially enter the interior of a home, creating a whole host of health issues. Identifying trouble spots may be easy from the ground, but a pair of binoculars or a camera with zoom feature can also help you see problems from below.

Check flashing and seals

Any areas on a roof where different surfaces meet (like around chimneys, vents, skylights and dormers) are particularly prone to leaks and should be a focus of your roof maintenance checklist.

"Flashing is designed to help water run around openings in a roof like chimneys, vent pipes and dormers," says Martins. "When flashing is damaged or bent, it can allow water to run beneath the shingles and into the structure of a home."

Homeowners should pay particular attention to caulking that surrounds flashing, note any shrinkage, cracks or missing caulk and repair these issues immediately.

Inspect the attic

If you have an unfinished attic space, inspect the underside of your roof to find any slow leaks and address them before they become too serious. Pay attention to areas around vents and chimneys for drips or wet spots and test both the roof sheathing and joists for soft spots. If you can see light coming through any cracks, it’s time to call in the professionals for a quote. When it comes to water damage, the key to keeping costs down is to deal with it quickly.

With a little planning, spring roof maintenance shouldn't be scary. Contact a professional with an excellent safety record to inspect the roof and make any needed repairs, and you'll be ready for whatever spring may bring.

>> Find out how to protect your home from storms and hail

Cox Media Group