Even Roofs need Spring Cleaning

Many of us don’t think twice about cleaning or even checking our roofs every season unless we notice a problem. Winter is finally over, and spring has sprung. Get your roof thoroughly inspected, and spring clean your roof. Below are some things you should do to your roof when the warm weather arrives.

1. Clear Off All Roof Debris

If your roof has a lot of debris on it, chances are, you have mold and mildew growing. If this is the case, it will eventually damage your roof so much you may need to replace your roof. There are two easy ways to get rid of roof debris. One is to rake the debris off by hand and the other is to use a leaf blower. If this is something you cannot do safely, it is always best to hire a professional, like NJ Pro Roofing to do the job.

2. Wash Off Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew are very dangerous for your health and the health of your roof. Check your roof for any signs of mold or mildew during the Spring. Look for discolored streaks on your roof which indicates the signs of mold growth. The streaks can be green or black. Warm winters, like the 2022-2023 winter, lead to more mold and mildew growth. Moss growing on the roof is a sign that you waited too long, and the roof may need replacement to be sound. Annual power washing with an antimicrobial detergent will protect your roof from mold and mildew.

3. Examine Your Roof for Loose Shingles

The snow and ice are hard on roof’s shingles. Any harsh conditions can force shingles to curl, separate, and some cases, completely tear off. It is helpful, if you check your roof once after the winter has passed to see if any of the shingles are damaged. If you find a problem, have a professional nail them back or fix them as soon as you can. If you do not take care of the minor problem, it may cause water damage and eventually mold to seep into the walls and attic.

4. Flashing and Chimney

Another thing you should look for is flashing around your chimney. The flashing can easily pull away from the chimney or your roof. This can create small holes, allowing water and bugs to invade the attic. These are small and easy fixes; however, you have to know where the damage exists prior to covering them up. If you have no idea where the damage is or what it looks like, call NJ Pro Roofing for a free assessment.

5. Damaged Tree Branches

If any of the branches of your trees fall on your roof during the winter, try to remove them right away. If the branches are small enough, you can remove them on your own, however, for larger branches, you need the help of a professional like NJ Pro Roofing. If the larger branches stay on your roof, they can make holes through the shingles and allow the water into your house.

6. Check the Attic

Check your ceiling and attic for signs of water damage or mold. Mold in your attic is generally due to either an insulation or ventilation issue if no roof leaking has occurred. If you see any staining or smell mildew, it is wise to call a professional like NJ Pro Roofing and do not try to take care of it yourself. A professional can easily pinpoint the exact cause of the damage and make repairs quickly before it worsens.

7. Check and Clean the Gutters

Not only should you clean off your roof when spring arrives, you should also trim nearby trees that have begun to cast a shadow over your roof. Tree branches hanging over the roof can cause unwanted accidents. By trimming branches, you will also reduce the amount of leaves you’ll need to clean out of your gutters in the fall.

Rainwater should flow properly through the gutters and the downspout system. If it doesn’t, backs up and overflows will occur. There is also a chance that granules or other materials from your roof have spilled from the surface and into your gutters. Look at where the granules are coming from and see if you need to replace any shingles that are becoming thinner due to all those materials falling off. No matter which way you choose to clean your gutters, it will be a demanding job that can be very time consuming. Cleaning the gutters by hiring a professional like NJ Pro Roofing is the best option.