Spring Roof Protection

Spring is just around the corner. With every changing of the seasons comes different areas of focus and maintenance for your roof. During the spring there are five main focuses on preparing your roof for the upcoming weather.

Leak Prevention

On the Pacific West coast, leak prevention is crucial through the fall to spring due to heavy and consistent rain. The freezing temperatures of winter may have caused damage to seals and flashings that only start to show as the temperature rises and the building materials thaw and pull away from one another. The warmer temperatures of spring make it easier to check for and repair leaks before they become too large and require a more costly repair.

Animal Lodging

The cooler weather of the winter may have led small animals such as squirrels, raccoons, birds, and mice to find shelter in roofs and attics. Check for any unusual sounds, animal droppings, or damaged entry points into your roof. If you have animals taking shelter in your roof, you will want to remove them before they cause significant damage or health issues. For more information on removing and preventing animal lodging, read our last blog post.

Moss or Mold

Moss and mold can eat away at wood shingles, requiring you to replace whole sections of your roof. If mold gets into the house can cause further health issues. Take care of any small spots when you first discover them to prevent them from becoming bigger issues. Use a spray designed to remove moss and a broom/brush to clear it away (instead of a power washer that can damage your roof).

Gutters

Winter rains and snow bring with it debris from trees and shingle granules that can clog up the gutters. Cleaning out the gutters will ensure that water drains properly off your roof, preventing leaks and overspills that cause damage to whatever is below. It also gives you an opportunity to look for any damage to the gutters in case any sections need to be replaced or repaired.

Surrounding Trees

Trees may have been damaged during the winter and will need to be trimmed back before they break and potentially cause damage to the roof and home. Early spring is a perfect time to prune trees as they have yet to come out of winter hibernation and start growing. Pruning back the trees in the spring can also mean less maintenance on them in the fall.

With regular care and maintenance, you can help extend the life of your roof and prevent more costly issues.

To learn more about getting your roof inspected, talk to the Roof Tech team at +1.604.888.7663 or info@rooftechconsultants.ca