Spring Clean Your Roof
The roof of our homes is one of the most important elements in a house. They provide protection from the elements and protect the integrity of the home by preventing water damage to the inside of the home. Spring cleaning as the weather warms draws us outside to purge the garage or yard beautification, but don't neglect the roof. After the harsh winter months, it's important to focus some attention on your roof. Read on for our spring cleaning list for your roof.
Remove Debris From The Roof. The debris such as settled leaves or pine straw leads to mold and mildew which in turn leads to roof damage. Remove the debris by raking it or using a leaf blower.
Clean the roof of mold and mildew. Discolored streaks on your roof are an indication of mold and mildew growth on your roof. If left unchecked, mold and mildew can ultimately lead to an entire roof replacement.
Inspect The Shingles. Winter weather stresses the roof's shingles and can lead to curling, stained buckling, and missing shingles. Repair and replace damaged and missing shingles immediately to avoid more extensive damage.
Explore The Attic. Look from the inside out in your attic. Any daylight peeking through is a sign that there is a hole in your roof. If your attic is musty and damp, call the professionals at Herring to complete a detailed inspection to find the source of moisture in your attic.
Keep An Eye Out. Look for areas that show wear and tear. This can include areas of rust on the gutters or the appearance of a sagging portion of your roof.
It's possible to overlook issues if you're not a trained roofing professional. Spring cleaning is an excellent time to do roof inspections in order to prioritize essential repairs and prepare for the hot summer months. Herring Roofing professionals have the skills and expertise to offer you thorough assessments both inside and out.
We take pride in our customer service with honesty and integrity at every interaction with a customer.
Getting the Gutters Geared Up
Gutters, like the roofing system, are an important aspect of a home's overall health. Gutters direct and control rainwater flow, protecting the roof, walls, and landscaping. Gutter blockage is caused by dust and debris in rainfall and falling leaves from neighboring trees. Clogged gutters may create issues and jeopardize the roof's overall integrity. Check out our guide on the importance of gutter cleaning and how to do it.
Roof Damage. Clogged gutters obstruct water flow and could ultimately damage your roof creating costly repairs and potentially a roof replacement.
Pest Haven. Debris accumulation in gutters creates a haven for pests, rodents, and infestation by disease-causing organisms leading to health hazards.
Foundational Damage. Gutters are meant to direct rain away from the foundation and other elements of the house. Clogged gutters cause water to seep into the foundation, jeopardizing its strength.
Negative Effect On Home Value. Clogged gutters take away from the appeal of your property and diminish the total worth of your home. Cleaning and repairing gutters will improve the look of the roof, offering improved curb appeal and a higher value.
How To Clean The Gutters
Work with the weather. Wait for dry weather for easier and safer removal of gutter debris. Select your tools. For the most effective removal of debris, you will need a scoop, ladder, two buckets, garden hose, work/latex gloves, and safety goggles.
Select a sturdy ladder. Gutter cleaning requires a ladder. If you are not able to work on a ladder, locate a professional to complete the job. If you will be completing the work, make sure your ladder is on level solid ground and you may need an extension ladder if your home is more than one story.
Two bucket cleaning. One bucket is used for carrying your tools and the other is for the gutter debris. Carry only one bucket at a time and secure it to the ladder with a hook.
Debris Removal. Starting at the downspout, pick and remove larger debris like leaves and sticks by hand. Next, use your scoop to remove the clumped debris. Be sure you are wearing your gloves to protect your hands from cuts and bacterial infections.
Rinse and wash the gutters and downspouts. After the excess debris has been eliminated, use the hose with a nozzle to flush out the remaining dirt and grime.
The best method to ensure that your roof lasts as long as possible is to inspect and maintain it on a regular basis. Always have repairs completed as soon as any damage is discovered. Seasonal issues can work to undo any steps taken to keep your roof working efficiently. Keeping your roof clean and clear of debris as well as maintaining the flow of your gutters is your best bet to keep roofing issues at bay. Having your asphalt shingle roof inspected every three years, even if no damage is apparent, is a smart idea. Reach out to the experts at Herring for a complete assessment of the health of your roof.