Spring Cleaning Guide for Your Roof

It’s almost spring cleaning time again!  Your house needs to be cleaned from top to bottom, your garage de-cluttered, your landscaping refreshed, and your roof needs some attention too.  After a winter full of storms, ice, and drastic weather changes, your roof could have possible leaks, missing shingles, mold, and other serious problems.  Follow our spring cleaning checklist to assess the state of your roof:

1. Clean Out the Gutters:  Chances are, your gutters are full of leaves and other debris as you’re reading this.  Either hire a professional or carefully climb a ladder to clear your gutter system out and ensure that water can run freely through your downspouts.  While you’re at it, check for signs of damage on your gutters such as rust, corrosion, and separation from your roof.  If your gutter system is not in tip-top shape for the rainy spring season, you will be faced with much bigger problems down the road.
2. Check for Loose Shingles and Flashing:  You can inspect your roof from the ground instead of climbing on it to avoid the risk of slipping or falling.  Look for gaps in the shingles, curling shingles, or any shingles that look like they will fly off the next time the wind blows.  Take a look at the flashing, or the material that covers all of the joints in your roof, for signs that it is buckling or coming off. 
3. Trim Branches:  If you have trees in your yard that have branches hanging over your roof, this is an accident waiting to happen.  If you have the proper equipment, trim any overhanging branches to avoid damage to your roof.  This will also help with the amount of leaves that pile up in your gutters.
4. Inspect Your Attic:  Do a thorough inspection in your attic for signs of water damage or mold.  Check all of the beams and joists for signs of cracking or bending and check the roof deck for deterioration as well.  Do your inspection during the day and look for signs of light seeping into the attic from outside.

Follow our simple checklist to ensure your roof is in top condition for the coming spring.  If you identify any issues or problems it is best to contact an experienced and dependable roofing contractor for repairs.  Give us a call at (205) 942-8374 for fast and efficient roof repairs in Birmingham so you can focus on all of the other areas of your home that need spring cleaning.