Five Ways to Prepare Your Roof for Spring
Once the warmer weather is on the horizon, you may feel quite relieved.
The risk of ice dams is passing, and your roof is becoming visible again as the ice and snow melts. But, with spring comes one of the biggest challenges roofs face: the rain season.
How do you make sure that your roof is prepared for the wettest season of the year? Previously, we’ve written about preparing your roof for winter, and now it’s time to spring forward and prep for the new season.
Here are five critical ways to prepare your roof for spring.
1. Remove Your Christmas Lights
If you haven’t already, it’s probably time to take down those lights on the edge of your roof, unless you’re the type who likes to leave them up all year, which, hey, no judgment.
As water pours down, your lights will be exposed. While they can handle some water exposure, it’s better for their longevity if they don’t.
The safest way to do this is to have an assistant with you and be very careful about the ground you put your ladder on and its stability. You should always have three points of contact with the ladder, and your assistant should act as your other hand.
2. Schedule a Roof Inspection
Your roof is about to handle a lot of water, so it could be quite reassuring to have a professional inspect your roof before the rain and melting starts.
Your roofer can assess the current condition of your roof and look for trouble spots before they become leaks. If you haven’t had an inspection in a while, your roofer could estimate how much more life your roof has left. You may need to start preparing for a roof replacement or discover that it’s in serviceable condition.
3. Repair Damaged Shingles
When your contractor has finished their inspection, one of the most important things they can do next is to complete “minor” repairs such as damaged or missing shingles.
Spring is not the season to tempt the fates. Even minor issues that cause leaks should be addressed as soon as possible.
4. Clear Away Animal Nests
In springtime, many critters will be looking to take advantage of your roof or your attic space as a nesting spot or just a place to find some shelter.
During inspection, your contractor should look for areas that may be vulnerable to animal intrusion and properly seal or cover them up. This is especially true for the fascia. But, as the season goes along, you can be your own animal control and clear out any nests.
5. Clean Off Debris
In spring, your roof will gather debris from new plant life, whether it’s sap from nearby trees or even leaves from last year blown onto the roof again.
This stuff loves to collect in the gutters, which clog up and decrease outflow that could lead to bigger and costlier problems. You can keep your roof in better condition by cleaning off the roof, especially those larger pieces of debris that might slow water drainage.
Pro and safety tip: resist the temptation to service your own roof. Too much could go wrong and not only break the bank but also your bones given you likely lack the proper equipment. Preparing your roof for the seasons should always be a job left for the professionals.
The Len Roofing & Remodeling Difference
When we say that we’re a top-quality home remodeling and roofing company that serves the North Shore and surrounding Chicagoland area, we back it up. We do more than simply cover the basics: we show up on time and nail it. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 847-768-6000 or visit our contact page.
