Leading Ways to Prep Your Roof and Gutters for Spring

Winter may be in full swing, but spring is just around the corner. That means now’s the time to prepare your roof and gutters for the spring weather. Roofs suffer damage in the winter, meaning that repairs are necessary before spring arrives.

Here are our best tips on how to prepare your roof for spring.

Inspect the roof

The first thing you can do is to inspect the roof from the ground. This will give you an idea of what to expect when you go up to the roof. You should also take a look in your attic to see if there are any leaks originating from the roof.

If you choose to go onto your roof, you need to take some precautionary steps. Never go onto the roof alone. Always make sure to remove any large objects blocking your path. If you don’t feel comfortable going on to the roof (if it’s steep or if you have a medical condition), then call in the pros instead.

Remove any debris

The first step to prepare your roof for spring is to remove any foreign objects. This includes things like sticks, pine needles and plant matter. All of this will gunk up the gutters, clog the downspouts and block the ventilation stacks. Excess debris could lead to water damage and the buildup of moisture in your attic.

Inspect the roof for any damage

If your roof is missing any shingles or the shingles are damaged, then they’ll need to be repaired or replaced. Missing or torn flashing (i.e., the material covering the chimney where it meets the roof) will also require immediate repair. In both cases, the risk is that rain will leak into the home and damage it.

Ventilation stacks are designed to release moisture from the attic. If these are damaged, they will need to be fixed as well. Weatherstripping and caulking prevent moisture from being trapped inside the roofing material. Both will need to be replaced if damaged.

Look around the attic for holes

Go into your attic or crawl space, and look for daylight. If you see any, then that’s a problem. You should also look for damp beams or other signs of water damage. These leaks may have led to mold, which is a problem you need to deal with immediately before it grows further.

Repair damages

All downspouts and gutters should be securely attached to the home. Heavy snow and ice may pull down on the gutters and snap the anchors loose. Replace or repair missing or damaged tiles, shingles, caulking and flashing. This is work best left to the professionals, as it can be complex and dangerous.

When you’re looking for expert contractors, choose Dowd Roofing Co. We’ve been repairing and replacing roofs since 1979. We’re known for our honest, no-nonsense approach and fair prices. We provide a wide variety of solutions for residential and commercial customers alike. Contact us right now to learn more about our services and ask for a free quote.