Winter can be a rough time for any home, particularly for the roof. It needs to withstand freezing temperatures, heavy rain and snow, and blustery winds without letting any of that cold winter weather inside. And even after that, it has the blistering sun of summer to look forward to. While the winter weather is starting to abate, you have the perfect opportunity to give your roof the attention it sorely needs. Here are a few ways a Portland roofing company can help you get your roof in tip-top shape before the summer weather rolls around.
Provide a Visual Inspection
Roof damage can easily go overlooked for months, only making the problem grow in scale until serious repairs are needed. That’s why it’s important that you have a Portland roofing company, such as Interstate Roofing, conduct regular inspections. Expert eyes can identify any potential issues before they develop into something more complicated.
After the winter, your roof may be looking a bit worse for wear. The harsh cold and storms can cause your roofing materials to deteriorate more quickly than usual. Since spring has much milder weather, it can be the ideal time for you to have a professional roofer give your home a thorough examination.
Clean Out the Gutters
Your gutters provide an important function in maintaining your home’s integrity. By directing rainwater away in an orderly fashion, they prevent moisture from gathering and causing any undue harm to your roof or home. When they get clogged, they can’t perform this function properly. If left unattended, leaves and other debris have a way of building up in your gutters. As part of your preparation for the summer, a roofing company will make sure they’re clean and ready to do their duty.
Wash Your Roof
In addition to your gutters, it’s good practice to clean your roof itself. Ask your roofer to clear off any leaves and debris that may have gathered. In the Portland/Vancouver area, good preventative roof maintenance will include a moss killer. While moss has its own aesthetic appeal, it can cause major harm to your roof if left to grow.
Repair Any Damage or Wear from the Winter
Since winter can be so rough on a roof, it’s not unlikely you’ll be in need of some repairs come spring. After your Portland roofing company has given it a professional assessment, ask them how to best fix any damage it may have sustained. If there are any damaged or missing shingles, you’ll need to make sure they are replaced before the weather heats up.
Be sure to pay attention to the flashing on your roof too. Flashing is the strips of metal that seal the gaps between your roof and protrusions, such as a vent or chimney. They prevent water from leaking through the space between the two materials, but over time, they can become weather damaged and less effective. Any worn flashings need to be replaced with new ones to prevent water from damaging the bones of your home.
Check Your Attic Insulation
Your roof is important to keeping your home at a comfortable temperature. Before the summer heat hits, make sure the insulation is still doing its job. Newer materials are more effective at insulating your home than old ones, so if it’s been a while since your insulation was put in, it might be time to replace it. If your roof lacks proper insulation, get a professional installation so you’ll be set for the summer—and the fall and winter that will follow.
Perform HVAC Maintenance
You might think your HVAC system is only there to help keep your home pleasant, like your insulation. While that’s a large part of its function, it also has another important job of helping to maintain your roof. When it’s working at top performance, it helps keep the moisture in your home at a manageable level. When it isn’t, you’ll find the indoor environment flooded with excess humidity. This humidity can then in turn damage your roof from the inside out.
When you’re setting about your spring maintenance, make sure you’re not leaving your HVAC system out of the equation. Not only will you keep your home cool once summer is in full swing, but you’ll also be contributing to your roof’s continued good condition.
Cut Back Overhanging Branches or Vegetation
In the event of emergency roof repair, often, the culprit is overgrown vegetation or foliage. While trees and greenery can be a pretty addition to your property and be helpful in providing shade for your home, they also pose the risk of damaging your roof. Whether a tree is imperceptibly rotting or a sudden storm knocks a branch loose, the last thing you want to wake up to is a heavy branch crashing down onto your roof.
As part of your preparations for summer, have a Portland roofing company trim back any plant life that might be growing out over your home. You’ll nip the chances of falling branches in the bud and have the added benefit of fewer leaves falling in your gutters in the fall.
Schedule a Checkup for the Future
Just because you’re all set for this summer doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look beyond that. Once you’ve finished all the maintenance your roof needs, find a good time for your Portland roofing company to come back and give your home a checkup. Regular inspections are the best way to keep your roof in good condition—and avoid any surprise high-cost repairs—so get into the habit now.
You can plan ahead for next spring, or if you want to be really proactive, schedule your inspection with Interstate Roofing for early fall. That way, you can have a professional assess any damage or repairs you need before the worst of the weather returns. Keep yourself on a regular schedule, and your roof will keep you dry for years to come.