After a long, cold winter, it’s safe to say many people are looking forward to Spring. With this change in season, it also give homeowners the green light to begin home maintenance and renovations. One item that most people forget is roof maintenance. By performing an annual 6 step Spring roof maintenance, it will prolong the life-span of your shingled roof and/or prevent damaged areas from becoming a bigger problem. So starting this year, don’t forget roof maintenance as part of your line up of your Spring cleaning and maintenance.

1. Clear Gutters
   The primary function of gutters and eavestroughs are to direct water away from the structures.  When it is backed up, water will gather along the edge of the roof causing possible roof leaks.  During the winter, debris may have built up in the gutters and eavestroughs, preventing water from flowing freely off the roof. With heavy rainfalls during the spring, it is important to make sure there are no obstructions in these areas. If the eavestrough is damaged, it is advised to repair or replace it immediately to ensure water flows off the roof appropriately.
2. Shingle Inspections
   Inspect the condition of the shingles and look out for buckling, cracking or broken shingles.  These damaged pieces should be replaced to avoid future problems.  If nails are coming loose, secure them by hammering it back in place.  Make note of the overall state of the shingles. If they look old, discolored or worn out, it may be time for a complete roof replacement.
3. Flashing Damages
   Check all flashing to ensure it is intact. Make sure the caulking around the flashing is not cracked and no visible rust spots are present. Address necessary repairs immediately to prevent water damages.
4. Soffit and Fascia Conditions
   These 2 often overlooked roofing parts play a vital role in keeping your home water free and comfortable.  The soffit helps with the attic ventilation by allowing air through the small holes for circulation. The fascia, which is the exposed horizontal band at the end of the rafters and also where the gutters are attached to, is the protection between the edge of the roof and the outdoors. These parts also prevent small animals like birds and squirrels from entering the roofing system.  Check for any damaged parts, holes or soft spots on the soffit or fascia and repair or replace if necessary.
5. Water or Ice Dam Damages
   Your roof takes a toll from the freeze/thaw cycle we are accustomed to during our Ontario winters.  Water damage may occur in any part of your roofing system, from the roof to the insulation and anything in between. If your ceiling has water marks, it may be a sign that your roof is leaking. Attending to these tell-tale signs may prevent further damages (i.e. underlayment or wood rotting, destroyed insulations etc.).
6. Mold and Algae Presence
   Check for mold or algae growth on your shingles. If it is present, remove it immediately as it will discolor your roof and damage the shingles if left untouched. For more serious mold infestation on the shingles, it may expose the interior of your attic to mold spores, thus causing a much bigger problem to the interior of your house. To remove mold, do not use power washers as it may cause more damage to your roof. Instead, for small patches of mold, use a bleach/water solution and gently clean the affected area.

Doing routine inspection and preventative maintenance can avoid costly repairs and ensure your roof is in optimal condition.  If you want professional roofers to perform this important Spring roof inspection/maintenance, give Nailed It Roofing & Construction a call and one of our experienced roofers will be happy to assist you.

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