Your roof may have survived high winds, ice, and heavy snow, but now it’s time to address any damage your roof endured during winter. Spring roof maintenance is an important part of increasing your roof’s lifespan. So, when it’s time to conduct your spring roof inspection, take the following tips into consideration.

GUTTERS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

Gutters that have not been properly maintained can shorten the life span of your roof, which emphasizes the importance of cleaning your gutters at least once or twice a year. Remove large debris with a garden towel or by hand. Follow this step with power washing to clean out any remaining dirt or small debris.

Keep in mind, you may have to check your gutters more often if trees are near your roof, as small twigs or leaves may buildup in your gutter.

MAINTAINING SHINGLE INTEGRITY

After inspecting and cleaning your gutters, be sure to examine your roof shingles.

Carefully climb onto your roof and survey the roof’s surface for any signs of damage. Visible signs of damage include the following: warping, missing shingles, grain loss, and discoloration. If your shingles look smooth, it’s most likely time to replace them.

If your shingles need to be replaced, don’t panic, as it is a simple and relatively inexpensive process.

First, remove the old shingle (if needed remove two or three surrounding shingles).

After removing fasteners and nails, slide a new, identical shingle into place and nail it down. Cover each nail with a generous amount of roofing cement to prevent water penetration.

Weigh the shingle down for at least a few hours, but preferably overnight.

REPAIRING FLASHINGS

Flashings, or the metal strips that prevent water from leaking under roof tiles, should be thoroughly examined during each semi-annual roof inspection. Over time, rain and wind can easily loosen flashing, which can lead to mold growth or overlooked water damage inside your home.

While checking flashing, also check for cracked caulk. Scrape off any weathered or damaged caulk, clean, and reseal with fresh caulk.

Keep in mind that while there are many methods that can be done by yourself to maintain your roof, severe damage or leaks should be left to an experienced Virginia roof repair expert. If you have any questions or concerns about your roof, contact us! Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job. Give us a call today!

What separates The RNC Roofing Group from other residential roofing companies? With decades of experience installing, maintaining and repairing roofs we provide a knowledgeable, trustworthy and honest service to fulfill all your roofing needs. We are a Loudoun County, Virginia based residential roofing firm with an excellent reputation for quality and dependability. Whether it’s new construction, re-roofing or the challenge of leak repairs, no job is too large or too small.