After a cold and harsh winter, roofs reveal their weaknesses. As the saying goes, a thorough spring cleaning is in order. Maintaining your roof after winter should be a priority before the start of the summer season. If your roof has suffered from frost and a severe weather cocktail, you’ll need to fix the problems quickly. Regardless of the style of roofing, there are several things to check.
Following your inspection, don’t hesitate to contact a roofer if you find any discrepancies beyond your DIY skills. An improperly addressed roofing problem can have a disastrous effect on the structure and siding of your home.
General Inspection
Check the attic
If you have access to the attic, start by taking a look. High humidity, mold, drips, or visible water infiltration are signs that you must take action to seal the breach quickly.
Remember to maintain your trees
In the spring, it’s time to schedule a tree pruning.
- Watch for branches that touch the roof. They could damage tiles and shingles.
- Clear the roof. Branches often provide too much shade, which can lead to mold growth.
Sloped roofs
It is usually possible to inspect with binoculars from the street. You should pay attention to the following points:
- Check the waterproofing joints.
- Note protrusions such as protruding nails.
- Inspect around chimneys, skylights, or any other installations on your roof and make sure everything is in place.
- Replace damaged or loose shingles. Replacing worn shingles is simple and will save you from much more severe problems.
- Empty the eaves troughs to allow rainwater to drain normally.
**If you are not comfortable and do not have the proper equipment to climb on the roof, deal with specialists.
Metal roofs
Metal roofs require little maintenance. However, there are a few simple things you can do.
- Once a year, clean the unexposed parts with clear water.
- You can use mild soap and a soft brush for very dirty areas. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
- A solution of bleach and TSP can help remove mold. However, you will have to find the source of the mold and eradicate the cause.
- To delay corrosion, consider painting your roof every five years. Some waxes are also available to extend the life of materials. In this case, consult a roofer to choose a suitable product.
Flat roofs
In general
- Clear your roof of debris that may have accumulated during snowmelt, such as branches, rocks, and leaves…
- Clear drains and vents. A clogged drain will retain water on your roof, creating extra weight while allowing water to seep more easily into the smallest gap.
- Improve the waterproofing of your roof by adding protective paint.
Specifically
Multi-layer roofing (asphalt and gravel)
- Make sure the entire surface is covered with gravel.
- If a section appears warped or buckled, gravel should be added to prevent the asphalt from overheating in the sun.
- If an asphalt bulge cracks, the cracks should be filled with liquid asphalt before recoating with gravel.
Elastomeric Roofing
- Check the density of the granules. If you notice any gaps, contact a specialist. Elastomer requires certain precautions. Consult your warranty and a roofer on this subject.
The water tightness of your roof is essential for preserving your heritage. Problems caused by neglect are often much more annoying than regular maintenance. If you’re like most people, overwhelmed and overburdened with life’s various responsibilities, leave the job to the experts. You’ll have peace of mind for an annual fee that’s more affordable than you might think. Do not hesitate to contact us for more information.