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The Ultimate Checklist For Spring Cleaning Your Roof

It’s Spring cleaning season! Time to tackle major cleaning projects in and around your home. But what about what’s on top of your home? Spring cleaning your roof has plenty of benefits, including saving you big bucks on repairs down the road. So head outside, grab your ladder and a good pair of gloves. Here’s our ultimate checklist for Spring cleaning your roof.

Leaky Roofs

1. Document Everything!


Everyone loves a good before and after picture, but this isn’t just for social media. When inspecting your roof, it’s essential to document current damage. Taking annual pictures of your roof also helps develop a timeline for potential damage from storms or other events, especially when filing an insurance claim.


2. Trim Trees


If you have the right equipment and can safely trim trees, this is a good place to start before removing other debris from your roof. Trimming dead or dying branches can keep them from breaking off and damaging your roof later.


3. Get Rid Of Roof Debris


Depending on your shingles, soft brooms are especially good for this step. Asphalt shingles contain granules, so you don’t want to brush too hard as they can fall off, compromising the strength of the shingle. Leaf blowers are also a good choice and can help you quickly and efficiently remove debris like twigs, leaves, and even branches from the roof. Always take your time, be careful, and step lightly on the roof.


4. Inspect Your Roof


Once the debris is clear, take a good look at your roof. You may not be a roofing professional like the team at Endless Summer Roofing, but some damage or dirt is easy to spot—like gloeocapsa magma. Here are a few things you should look for as you inspect your roof.



  • Check your shingles - If you have asphalt shingles, look for discoloration (which can indicate UV damage), curling, bent or broken, or if you notice shingles missing. If you have tile roofing, look for cracked or missing tiles. For metal roofs, check for dents or separation between panels.


  • Check soffits and fascia - These are under the roof between her roofline and your home. During the inspection, look for bent or dented spots and chipped paint.


  • Check the flashing and chimney - Some houses may not have a chimney, but if you do, you want to check the flashing where the chimney meets the roof. This can pull away over time, allowing small openings for water and bugs.. 


  • Check for mold or mildew damage - If you had a lot of debris on the roof, it could have been a breeding ground for mold and mildew. The other thing you’ll notice is gloeocapsa magma or black mold. It is common on asphalt shingles. This fungus eats away at the limestone fillers, leading to the “streaked” look.


  • Check for signs of pests or critters - Termite season comes shortly after Spring. Now’s a great time to check the roof for signs of these wood-eaters and rats who tend to gnaw on wood.

 

  • Check your gutters -  Inspect your entire gutter system. Look for damaged or dented sections and areas where it may have detached from the roofline.

5. Clean Your Gutters


Cleaning your gutters is no fun! But it’s necessary. A clogged gutter means water overflows onto your roofline, potentially causing damage, and pools on the ground near your foundation. You don’t have to use anti-bacterial wipes, but you should ensure all debris is gone and use a rag to wipe down the inside to remove any buildup to help keep water flowing.


6. Wash Your Roof


There are two ways to do this. You can hose it down, removing dirt, debris, and gloeocapsa magma. This is less pressure and better on asphalt shingles (they contain granules). Power or pressure washing is not recommended as the water can remove granules and damage the roof by diminishing the bond between shingles allowing water to seep in. It’s a step that’s best left to the experts!


7. Check Your Attic Or Crawlspace


Don’t forget about the inside! Once the other steps are completed, it’s time to check under the roof. You can look for wet areas and rays of sunlight, especially if you’ve just hosed down the roof, wood damage, and an indication of pests.


8. Hire A Professional Roofer For Maintenance


Sometimes it’s best to hire a professional when it comes to your roof. The experts at Endless Summer Roofing have the experience and the right equipment to safely clean your roof without causing further damage. Our team can also perform repairs on the spot to keep your roof in tip-top shape heading into storm season. Give us a call at 904-357-0722 for a free roof estimate, or fill out this contact us form, and we’ll get back to you soon.


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