Roof Maintenance Tips for Spring

The azaleas are in full bloom, the birds are chirping, the days are getting longer, and people are enjoying the outdoors more and more.  Spring is a perfect time to clean out your flowerbeds, begin mowing and trimming your lawn and bushes, and also to evaluate the outside of your home for any needed cleaning or repairs.  One part of your home that needs special attention after the dreary days of winter is the roof.

The roof of your home is like an umbrella that protects you during a heavy rainfall or from the blaze of the hot afternoon sun.  Your home’s roof takes a lot of wear and tear from weather elements, and it is wise to inspect it every now and then for any discrepancies.

One easy way to inspect your home is to pull out a pair of binoculars and complete a visual inspection of the roof’s surface.  You should look for any loose or missing shingles.  Also, beware of any shingles that appear buckled, curled, or misshapen in any way.  If you find any shingles that need attention, then it is important to call a roofing contractor for assistance.  A roofer will be able to repair or replace the damaged shingles, as well as inspect the surrounding area for any other potential problems.

Another activity that is beneficial for your roof is to clean out the gutters.  Spring and summer are well known for having strong storms and rain showers.  It is important for the function of your roof to have the gutters and downspouts clear of debris so the rainwater can run freely away from your roof.  If the water cannot escape, there can be potential damage caused by water pooling and leakage.  That could lead to more repairs that could increase damage and price significantly.

Another inspection that should also occur now is the inspection of your roof’s flashing.  Flashing is a building material that is used around the joints, or different edges, on your roof.  You may find flashing around roof vents, skylights, or various pitches along the roof.  If you see any flashing that contains rust or that has become dislodged, then it is important to repair or replace it.

While you are inspecting the flashing, it is also a good time to inspect the soffit vents around your home.  Soffits are sections of wood or metal that run underneath the roof, between the walls of your home and the roofline.  It is a good idea to spot-check them annually to check for rotting wood or dislodged pieces.  These should also be repaired as needed.

Although rough winter damage is unlikely in the Birmingham area, it is always wise to check your roof annually for damage from extreme weather elements.  Since the roof of your home takes the brunt of all weather forces, it is beneficial to keep it in prime condition.  Fix any damage as soon as you possibly can in order to prevent more damage from occurring.  Roof damage will not fix itself and may cause significant amounts of continuous damage if left unfixed.

As always, Bill White Roofing and Specialty is here to help you with any of your roofing needs.  We take pride in our work and our happy customers prove it! ​