Spring is About to Spring – Is Your Roof Ready?

Baseball practices have started, flowers and trees are beginning to turn green and bloom. What all that means is that springtime is approaching, but it isn’t all about beauty, fun, and games. For the homeowner, it also means getting your home ready for spring weather.

Here we offer you some advice and a few tips on things you need to do:

Roof Inspection

The first step is doing a roof inspection. You should be looking for shingles that are bubbling, curling, or missing. Bubbling and curling shingles can come off in the high winds and thunderstorms that this area of the country experiences in the spring.  Missing shingles leaves your roof susceptible to water damage. If the roof is ten years old or more, shingles that have missing granules means the roof is wearing thin and probably needs to be replaced.

Gutter Cleaning and Repair

Your gutters are a big part of the roof, so include this in your spring preparations. Gutters not only shed rain water off you as you come out the door, but they also guide water away from the roof and the foundation. At least twice a year you should clean the gutters and remove any debris, leaves, small limbs, and other things that may have accumulated. This will allow the water to flow through the gutters to the downspouts.

Also, look for any breaks or cracks where the gutters could be leaking. These things need to be repaired promptly so that your gutters don’t break off from the house. Check the ends of the downspouts too and make sure they are clear of grass growing over them. They need clear openings to perform as intended.

Tree Trimming

Trees can add beauty to a home, provide shade, and damage roofs. Keep the limbs trimmed away from the roof. Not only are low hanging branches going to rub against the roof and wear off the shingles, but in a storm with high winds, it can cause even more damage.