Your roof is supposed to protect your home throughout the year. However, if you don’t maintain it properly, it can begin to cause a lot of problems. The maintenance tasks you need to do vary between seasons because the weather has different effects.
Winter: Remove Snow, Clear Gutters and Double-Check Attic Insulation
In winter, your main concerns are going to be protecting the roof and house from the weight of excess snow, as well as preventing ice dams. Too much snow places a lot of stress on the frame of the house. Buildings have actually collapsed from having too much snow on the roof, and extra snow can suddenly slide down onto anyone standing below.
You likely own a roof rake if you’ve lived in the area for a while. But if you’re new in town, or if your home is multi-story and too tall for a roof rake, a roofing repair company can remove the excess snow.
You should also ensure the gutters on your roof are clear. When the snow eventually melts, the water has to run off somewhere, and damage or debris can interrupt that flow.
You’ll also want to ensure the attic insulation is holding up. Poor attic insulation plus clogged gutters are a recipe for ice dams, which cause water and ice to back up onto your roof. Poor insulation allows warm air to seep up through the roof, melting some of the snow, which then re-freezes overnight into a block of ice.
Spring: Inspect the Roof, Gutters and Flashing
When spring comes around and the snow melts, it’s time to inspect the roof to look for damage. This is when you can see if any spots appear weak, or if tiles are peeling up. Give the gutters and flashing a good look, too, because you don’t want to leave any damage in place by the time summer starts.
This is also the time to see if any tree branches are starting to grow out over the roof. Storms can knock those branches down, damaging the tiles. Have a tree service trim those branches back.
Summer: Make Repairs, Look for Pests and Remove Moss
If you weren’t able to make repairs in spring, you’ve got to do it in summer before stormy weather appears. Summer is also the time to look for pest infestations (both insect and animal) and repair any damage those critters caused.
Summer storms, humidity and the shade from full tree canopies can promote moss and algae growth on roofs. Have a roofing company that offers maintenance services clean that off.
Autumn: Tree Trimming, Gutter Cleaning and Inspecting
Autumn is the season for winter preparation. Trim trees that have branches hanging over the roof, if you didn’t trim them away already. The last thing you need is wind, snow or ice snapping the branches and damaging your roof.
Clear fallen leaves and other debris out of the gutters, too. Wet leaves can form horribly stubborn clogs once they dry. Also give the roof and attic insulation another inspection to ensure all’s well as winter approaches once again.
Keep your roof in excellent shape all year long with expert help. Forte Roofing offers seasonal roof maintenance and roof repair services in Syracuse, NY and the surrounding area, so call today.