Spring is here, and with it comes the arrival of warmer weather and greenery, as well as the disappearance of snow and debris. This presents a unique opportunity to clean your roof, and ensure that the rigors of the season before it did not go unnoticed. Winter is notorious for being the most damaging to homes, and it is important to look out for certain indicators of serious damage to come. Here are 5 things to look out for when cleaning your roof for spring.
Overhanging Tree Branches
In general, you shouldn’t have any tree limbs hanging over or touching your roof. This is for two main reasons:
- Falling debris in the form of leaves and branches.
- Scratching of the limbs against the granules of the roof shingles.
The danger of both of these increase during winter, as the harsh winds and increased rainfall and snowfall lead to more damaged caused by either one. This applies especially to the second one, as the granules of any asphalt shingle serve as a protective layer against the elements. Strong winds can result in nearby branches scraping against that layer, removing some of the granules in the process. Therefore, it is important to keep any trees close to your roof trimmed as a preventative measure. In the case you find any shingles with a significant amount of granules missing, contact us for a replacement, to avoid future leaks.
Leaf Buildup
Remember what we said before about leaves and branches as debris? It is not just a matter of weight on your roof, but the water that they store as well. Leave and tree limbs tend to store moisture really well, and if left up on your roof, can allow water absorbed from snow and rain to seep into the underside of your roofing shingles. This moisture will expand and contract with temperature changes widening any gaps that may exist, and creating cracked shingles and leaks. Keeping your roof clear will ensure that water will continue to runoff as intended.
Moss
Another consequence of leaving leaves on your roof is moss, which grows on the moisture that is retained by it. Moss can allow moisture to seep deeper into your roof shingles, and can become a visible eyesore as well. Removal of organic debris will allow the sun to dry up your roof’s surface, killing any potential moss growth along with it.
Mold
Mold usually appears in the form of discolored streaks on your shingles, and contains bacteria that can eat away at your roof, leading to leaks and an overall shorter lifespan. In such a scenario, it is vital to remember to NOT use power washing to remove the mold, as it will wash away the protective granules of your shingles as well. Instead, use a treatment of chlorine bleach or copper sulfate solution applied with a light hose to kill it.
For those who have had us install their roof however, you are lucky, as we install GAF asphalt roofing shingles, which have specially formulated granules that inhibit algae growth. This ensures that you are protected from one major way your roof can be damaged, reducing maintenance costs and furthering your roof’s life span.
Gutter Damage
Gutters are vital for ensuring that water falls away from your home, protecting your roofing, siding, and the immediate area below. Snow and ice during the winter, however, can block your gutters through piling up dirt and debris, leading to water backlogging, and potentially seeping into the underside of your roofing shingles. It can also weigh down the gutter itself, which in extreme cases can lead to a collapse, putting yourself and your home at risk. Therefore, it is important to clear your gutter of any blockage, and to check the fasteners to make sure that nothing is loose.
It is important to inspect for these signs of more pressing concerns to follow. However, going up onto your roof is dangerous, and while some issues may be easy to find, others can be hard to spot. Therefore, we recommend getting an inspection from one of our experienced contractors to handle this work for you. Your safety and the preservation of your home is our top priority, and with over 20 years of experience working on roofs, we are more than up for the job. Contact us at (603) 365-7156, or fill out an online inquiry form. We look forward to working with you!