Whether you have a residential or commercial proof, a maintenance checklist will keep it in optimal shape throughout the year. Your Property is one of your most substantial investments. For you to get the most out of it, your roof needs to withstand a variety of elements throughout the year. Seasonal changes can be hard on your building, causing wear and tear and potentially forcing you into an early roof replacement. However, it is easy to combat these issues with regular maintenance. This post covers everything you will need to know about roofing maintenance, and we discuss the methods you need to use through each seasonal change.
Seasonal Roof Maintenance Tips
The best maintenance program is a proactive one, but before you jump on the project, it is important to establish a thorough game plan. Always be prepared with a proper checklist.
Fall Roof Maintenance
Fall is the ideal time for residential and commercial roofing improvement projects. Plan an inspection in the season and capitalize on your warranty if a roof repair is necessary. However, facility managers should not be the ones putting in all the work. When the leaves begin to fall, clear some room in your schedule for these critical tasks:
- Gutter cleaning and debris removal
- Shingles repair and replacement
- Mortar treatment
- Tree branch trimming
You will also want to make sure the attic or crawlspace is well insulated, as this is a great preventative for ice dam buildups when the temperature starts to drop. Finally, keep a sharp eye out for things such as loose brackets and shingles, deteriorating surface material, cracks, leaks, and anything else that might seem out of the ordinary.
Winter Roof Maintenance
The winter months are usually the most brutal on your roof. Unfortunately, this is often the season with the most emergency repairs. Your top priority should be keeping snow and ice from building up on the roof. Here is the protocol to consider when winter rolls around:
- Regularly check accumulation on your roof, especially after a heavy snowfall. Safely remove light buildups from the surface. For thicker pileups, make sure you have a professional onsite.
- Inspect your roof after periods of heavy wind. Clear your gutters and roof surface of debris, broken branches, or anything else that may have made its way onto the top of your building.
- Consider heat trapping. Your best option is to install ice melt socks in your gutters and along the surface. This will help with clearing snow and melting it.
Spring Roof Maintenance
Once the winter starts to pass and everything begins to thaw out, it is time for some much-needed spring cleaning. Before you break out the broom and duster, analyze the winter’s lingering effects on your roof. Schedule another inspection and see what kind of damage the winter months caused. If you do not follow through with your maintenance inspection during the fall, now is the time to play catch up.
Here is your spring checklist:
- Walk through the building and document any visible signs of wear and tear.
- Take a close look at the ceiling and note any vulnerable areas that may be linked to roof leaks.
- Assess the state of your shingles. If the roof is over 15 years old, it may be time to consider replacing the top layer.
- Clean your gutters and downspouts and clear away any noticeable debris.
- Check for signs of algae and moss growth.
Summer Roof Maintenance
If you have been treating your roof carefully throughout the other three seasons, you can take the summer to relax a little. That does not mean the work is all done. The warmer weather may be less harmful to your roof, but you still have the responsibility of proper upkeep. At the very least, perform a basic inspection in and around the property. Now is an excellent time to contact an experienced roofing company to get any necessary professional treatment for your shingles, gutters, downspouts, soffits, fascia, flashing, chimney system, and vents.
For all your roof inspections and knowledge make sure to contact a professional to give you the best advice for upkeep on your roof.
Contact Pro Exterior for Your Roofing Needs
Pro Exteriors has decades of experience when it comes to maintaining and installing roofs. If you are looking to get on top of your roof maintenance give us a call and we will be more than happy to inspect your roof. For more information on our roofing services contact us directly by calling us at 302-664-1700 or by filling out a contact form on our website.
