While this Utah winter has seemingly lasted forever, and indeed is one of the longest and most significant on record, we’re finally seeing some light at the end of the tunnel. Spring is around the corner, and this is a chance for homeowners to check on several components of their properties – and one of the most notable here in many cases is the roof.
At The Roof Doctor, we’re proud to offer comprehensive roof repair, roof installation and other roof services for clients around Salt Lake City, West Valley City and West Jordan. Whether on your own or with help from our professionals wherever necessary, here are a few important spring themes to be looking at to help evaluate any issues from the prior winter, plus ensure your setup is ready to go for the warm season.
Simple Visual Inspection
One of the first things to do is a simple visual inspection. Look for any signs of damage, such as missing shingles or sheet metal, water stains on the interior of your ceiling, or cracks in your gutters. If you find anything, it’s time to call in professional help from The Roof Doctor.
Pay particular attention to the areas of your roof near exhaust vents, flashings and chimneys. These areas are well-known trouble spots that can be easily compromised during a harsh winter season.
Gutter Inspection and Cleanout
A related component that’s extremely important to look at is your gutters. Check for signs of damage, clogs or any other possible issues that could be causing problems with water drainage. Clogs can form quickly during the springtime when leaves and debris start to accumulate in the gutters.
Cleaning this out regularly is key to making sure your roof stays in tip-top shape. The Roof Doctor can help here as well, with advanced gutter cleaning services to ensure your gutters are in top condition and ready for the spring season.
Check for any Fungus, Mold or Algae
Especially after a winter that contained as much snow and moisture as the one we just went through, it’s important to keep an eye out for signs of fungus, mold or algae growth on your roof. This can be a sign that there is too much moisture in the environment and can potentially lead to more damaging problems if left unchecked.
If you do find any of these signs, it’s important to call in an expert right away. The Roof Doctor can help with advanced solutions to get your roof back in the best possible condition and ready for the warm months ahead.
Look for Nests or Buildups
As you’re going through your visual inspection, make sure to be on the lookout for nests or other types of buildup that could be occurring across different areas of your roof. Birds and other animals can make homes in shingles and gutters if they’re not properly maintained – so it’s important to check these areas as well.
In many of these cases, it will be easy to remove or relocate any type of animal or insect buildup. Alternatively, The Roof Doctor can also help with specially designed solutions to keep unwanted guests away from your home in the future.
Don’t Pressure Wash
We also think it’s prudent to go over some things you should not be doing when it comes to your roof. In particular, pressure washing is not recommended for any type of roof – and this one especially with the tough winter weather we just experienced.
Pressure washing can damage shingles and other areas of your roof, as well as potentially blow away protective sealants that have been put in place. While it’s typically okay to use a basic hose or other types of mechanical tools to clean off the surface, do not use a pressure washer or any type of harsh chemical when it comes to your roof.
Safety is Always First
If you’re performing any of these checks or inspections on your own, be sure to take all necessary safety precautions. Wear proper clothing and footwear, use a ladder in the proper manner with someone holding it for you, and never work on a roof during inclement weather – or anytime there’s even a chance of rain.
And if you’re even slightly uncomfortable with any of the requirements involved here, you should not proceed. Simply call The Roof Doctor instead – and leave the roof inspection, cleaning, and repairs up to the professionals. We’re happy to take your call for this or any other roofing need you have in SLC, West Jordan or West Valley City!