Six Spring Roof Maintenance Tips

April showers bring May flowers … and leaky roofs and missing shingles.

While many look forward to spring for the warmer weather and blooming flowers that have been dormant all winter, the season also brings high winds and violent storms that can damage your roof. During the spring, rainy season, the condition of your roof is extremely important. Here are some tasks to add to your spring-cleaning list this year that will ensure you’re not caught off guard come the next rain, wind or hail storm:

Check your gutters and downspouts. Refreshing spring rains can turn into a homeowner’s nightmare if water builds up along eaves. When gutters are not cleaned often they can hold debris, which will loosen gutters over time and cause them to sag. This can cause damage such as mold, corroding or even basement flooding. Taking the extra time now to ensure that water is flowing properly through gutters and downspouts can save you from costly repairs later.

Examine roof shingles. Did you lose any roof shingles during the winter? Shingles that are cracked, buckled, loose or missing need to be replaced, otherwise the condition of your roof can be compromised.

Remove overhanging tree limbs. When trees crowd your roof, roof damage from a fallen limb is just a windstorm away. Trees can also damage shingles by abrading the shingles’ protective stone coating over time. Trim your trees so they have enough room to grow without invading damaging your roof.

Check for animal and insect damage. Termites, squirrels and birds are just a few of the creatures that would love to make themselves at home under your roof. And, if your roof has rotted or weakened spots, you are offering them an open invitation. Make sure to stay on top of any worn areas so that critters and insects don’t cause further and more costly damage.

Inspect the attic. Spotting leaks before they become too serious is the key to saving big money. Occasionally inspecting the underside of your roof from your attic is how to do it. Survey unfinished areas of the attic for streaking or staining. Also look for soft spots or holes where insects and animals could possibly get in.

Check the flashing. If you have flashing around your chimney, vents or roof seams, make sure it’s fitting tightly around the edge of the roof that it borders. If there are any signs of rust or missing rivets, contact Enterprise Roofing to replace them immediately.

If you would like more information on roofing best practices, or would like a professional consultation, call Enterprise Roofing at 937-298-8664. We have been proudly serving the Miami Valley area since 1926 and promise unsurpassed craftsmanship and customer service.