The months from spring through summer present some of the best conditions for completing roofing projects. Abundant sunshine, drier weather, more daylight hours and no ice covering the surface of your home. Even if you plan to call a professional roofer to perform the work, you can do a few things ahead of time to determine what needs to be completed.
1. Thoroughly Inspect the Roof
From a stable ladder, look at your roof in the morning hours for the following conditions:
- Shingle lift
- Missing, cracked or dented shingles
- Moss, algae and other growth
- Debris covering the surface
Additionally, don’t forget to check the flashing – the metal strips surrounding the chimney, skylights and protrusions around the roof. Many homeowners don’t realize that winter’s harsh conditions can damage flashing. Over time, the metal may start to deteriorate, exposing your roof to potential leaks.
2. Check Under the Eaves
Even if the roof and flashing seem adequate, also check under the eaves. During the year, dirt, leaves and other debris can accumulate underneath and needs to be cleaned out. Also, insects like wasps and carpenter bees may make nests in this area, so approach with caution. Always get professional help to remove these pests, rather than attempting to get rid of them on your own.
3. Check and Clean Your Gutters
Many homeowners think that once they’ve cleaned the gutters after winter, the inspection is complete for the year. However, it’s a good idea to periodically check them for blockages and clean out debris.
Even though leaves are not yet falling from trees in the spring and summer, other debris can get trapped here during spring. Before it clogs the gutter and backs up the water flow, give it a once-over and remove anything coating, lining or blocking the downspouts.
Storms and other harsh weather conditions, including hail and hurricanes, can loosen or knock your gutter out of place. In response, tighten it up and test the flow to make sure water falls away from the house, rather than pooling or falling against your windows and siding.
As far as your roof is concerned, clogged gutters are often the cause several problems, including ponding water, algae growth and weakened materials. Cleaning them out and checking their performance ultimately helps reduce leak risks and prevents expensive repairs.
If you’re in the market for your first house or a new property, turn to By Carrier’s communities of custom homes. To learn more or schedule a tour, give us a call today.