Aurora:
303-477-0288
Sterling:
970-522-7636
Ft. Morgan:
970-467-0714
Tackle Your Spring Roof Maintenance In 5 Easy Steps
The weather is getting warmer here in Colorado, and the snow is starting to melt. That means it’s time to start checking off items on your springtime roof maintenance and inspection checklist.
If you’re like most people, a springtime roof inspection is pretty far down the list of spring cleaning priorities. But by bumping it up and getting it out of the way early in the season, you’ll be able to get to the rest of your to-dos with concentration and energy, knowing that the roof that protects your family is in good shape.
Locally owned and operated Elements Roofing is happy to provide a checklist to help you get started on your spring cleaning.
Here are 5 easy spring roof maintenance items to knock off your list
Inside the House
1.Check your ceilings – This is the easy one, because you’re just walking around the house. Take a close look at the drywall or plaster, especially in the corners, and especially anywhere directly under the roof or close to an outside wall. You’re checking for stains, usually brown or yellowish. Melting snow will cause water damage in some places you might not expect.
2. Attic inspection – Next, grab your flashlight… you’re headed upstairs. The main thing you’re looking for in the attic or ceiling crawl space is mold. Mold can stain your paint or drywall, and peel wallpaper or drywall tape away from the wall. It smells bad too.
You may not see it right away, but if you’ve closed your home up all winter and it smells mildewy, or if anyone in your family has had allergies or if their asthma is worse, they could be having a reaction to mold spores.
Outside the House
3. Gutter check time! – Gutter inspections are one of our roof maintenance services, so if you don’t feel like screwing around with the ladder and safety harness, and climbing around on the roof yourself, feel free to give us a call at our Aurora office: 303-477-0288 to schedule your free consultation.
If you plan to do it yourself, here’s what to look for: First of all clean out the gutters. Make sure there’s no ice or debris backed up since the fall. The gutters’ job is to help take water away from your home, and debris will interrupt that flow.
Next keep your eyes peeled for anywhere that’s rusted through. This is common at the seams. Check for proper flow and leaks with a garden hose. This will also make sure your downspouts are clear.
Again, you’ll be doing this from a ladder or on your roof, so if you’re not OK with heights or steep inclines, give us a call to answer your bi-annual “roof maintenance near me” tasks.
4. Check for overhanging trees – Do you have trees next to your home? Then make sure they’re healthy and that any overhanging limbs are strong and free of rot or blight. Springtime in Colorado brings wind and heavy rains, and falling branches can do very expensive structural damage to your home.
We have partners with whom we work regularly to help with your tree maintenance.
5. Assess your shingles and tabs – For most typical homeowners, this step will require professional help, both for safety’s sake, and to ensure your home is receiving the roof maintenance services it needs to protect your family for a lifetime.
What you’re looking for
You (or we) are looking for missing, curling, or buckling shingles. Poorly performed installation or bad ventilation can cause curling shingles. Get these replaced because curling will cause further damage if left unchecked.
If anything, you have to repair or replace buckling shingles even more quickly than curling shingles, because the buckling can damage your decking or rafters. Usually this is because moisture has gotten in around the framing. Fixing buckling shingles sooner rather than later may keep you from needing a full roof replacement ahead of schedule.
Did you notice any stained or streaked shingles? This is another sign that you have moisture damage (are you seeing a pattern here? I am!) or bad roof ventilation.
A missing shingle is the most obvious, and worst damage you could see on your roof (short of gaping holes, anyway). Missing shingles let water seep under the surrounding shingles, soaking into the decking and rafters, causing weak spots or mold. Do not let this one go!
No doubt about it, springtime roof maintenance is a pain in the neck. But you know what they say: no pain no gain. If you take care of your roof, your roof will continue to take care of you. You’ll be saving yourself even more headaches and money down the road.
Looking to end your quest for “roof maintenance near me?” Elements Roofing is locally owned and operated, serving northeastern Colorado including Sterling, Aurora, Fort Morgan and surrounding areas.
Call 303-477-0288 for a free consultation.