The roof over our homes is essential to protect us from the sun, weather, and intruders feeling a little too brave. Roofs are built to last a long time and with regular maintenance, a roof’s lifespan can increase by decades.
Whenever the seasons change, roofs need to be maintained to deal with the last season’s effects and prepare for the one ahead. Roof maintenance, when done regularly, does not require too much effort and can last a long time. You might be wondering how to find a roofing company near me, but that search isn’t too complex. Hiring the right contractor for basic seasonal maintenance is much simpler than hiring for an outright roof replacement.
This guide discusses the essentials of roof maintenance for homeowners to know what to do and when it needs doing. Homeowners will benefit from knowing the importance of seasonal roof maintenance.
How To Plan Seasonal Roof Maintenance
Spring Home Maintenance
The winter months come with cold, dry winds and snow, both being established culprits responsible for roof damage. Come spring, check for roof damage caused by ice, snow, and dry winter winds in the form of damaged shingles or roof leaks.
Clear out debris from roof gutters and surfaces that cause water logging that damages the drains and can potentially seep into the walls. Once the snow melts away, make an active effort to clear all of this out to keep your roof in top condition for the rest of the year.
Summer Home Maintenance
Summer means harsh UV radiation beating down on the roof, and with hot winds blowing at it, your roof’s tenacity is thoroughly tested. The summer months also mean monsoon season in some locations, meaning the roof needs to be checked for loose shingles. Securing these loose shingles prevents water from infiltrating the structure and damaging it.
Also check your chimneys, vents, and skylights for loose flashings and have them sealed. This prevents heat and insects entering, air conditioning leaving, and storm water from causing damage.
Fall Home Maintenance
The fall is a precarious time between the summer and its monsoon and the winter with snow. At the start of the fall, a roof inspection to identify potential damage is essential. This is followed by trimming the tree branches to prevent broken branches from damaging your roof in the winter months. Snow nesting on tree branches can weigh them down, sometimes forcing them to break.
Ensuring proper insulation and ventilation prevents ice dams from forming on the roof, preventing roof damage. Optimal ventilation is essential for various reasons and a key component of fall home maintenance.
Winter Home Maintenance
The winter months can be brutal on your roof and home. A combination of ice, snow, cold winds, erosion, moisture, and erosion pushes the roof’s integrity to its limits. In case of excessive snowfall, the roof’s structure is stressed further and needs active preventative measures to curb damages.
Homeowners should consider using safe removal methods that include:
- A snow rake
- A snowblower
- Professional roof cleaning services.
Prolonging Roof Lifespan With Seasonal Maintenance
Seasonal roof maintenance is essential to prolong your roof lifespan as much as possible. Regular roof maintenance involves a few simple steps that prevent large repair bills or roof replacements.
Spring home maintenance involves treating your roof after the winter, ensuring there is no serious damage to it and simultaneously preparing it for the summer. During the warm summer months, the roof is battered with harsh UV radiation and in some places, heavy monsoon rains. Both events have a lasting impact on a roof’s longevity.
Come fall, the roof needs to recover from its summer stress before preparing for another round of winter. Homeowners need to focus on keeping the roof clean, ensuring the gutters and downspouts are clogged, and getting the shingles checked at the turn of the season.
