When spring rolls around, thoughts turn to spring-cleaning and maintenance. After a long, hard winter, it’s important to check everything that has been hidden by poor weather, dark nights, and the general malaise that comes with the colder seasons. One place that you shouldn’t neglect is your roof. The hard weather of winter can have a devastating effect on your roof, so it’s important to inspect your roof and do some regular cleaning in order to maintain your home’s safety and integrity.
Clean the Gutters
You should clean the gutters at least twice a year. If you have a lot of trees near your home, you may want to do it more often. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage of your roof, walls, landscaping, and foundation. Keeping the gutters clear allows the water to be moved away from your home and deposited safely on the ground.
Check the Shingles
If you feel comfortable getting on the roof, you should look for broken or missing shingles. Shingles that are cracked, curling, or loose should be replaced. If there are any nails sticking up, hammer them down. Be sure to take appropriate safety measures and never get on the roof when you’re alone. If you want to play it safe, you can always call a professional roofing company in Alpharetta to do an inspection and repair. While you’re there, be sure to remove any debris or leaves that may be leftover from the previous season.
Inspect the Flashing
The flashing is all the metal pieces that help connect your roof to other features. It can be found around skylights and in the valleys of your roof. If the caulk is frayed or missing, you can recaulk it. If the metal is rusty, it’s time to replace the flashing.
Inspect the Underside
Don’t forget to look at the underside of the roof. On the outside, you should pay attention to the soffits and fascia. The soffits are the wood panels under the overhang between the house and the gutter. Look for water damage because this can indicate a leak in the roof. The fascia is the part that the gutter is attached to. If the fasteners are broken or missing, or the wood of the fascia is rotten, it may be time to look at replacing those features or the entire gutter system.
Look for Water Damage
There are several places where water damage could occur if the roof has a leak. In your home, check the attic for water damage. If there are water stains on the ceiling or the insulation is damp or has water damage, the water is likely coming from the roof. Unfortunately, water doesn’t travel in a straight line, so the leak may not be easy to find. Water damage to the walls could mean a problem with the gutters. Look for gutters coming away from the wall or bowed downwards. You always can get a professional to look at your roof and save yourself time while getting a good assessment of the work y ou need done. Contact Superior Roofing Company of Georgia for all your roofing needs from maintenance to emergency roof repair in Alpharetta.