Spring is a great time to get out on your roof and ensure everything is in good shape. A new roof isn’t cheap, but with proper maintenance, you can extend the life of your shingles for years. Here are some things to look out for this spring:
Clean your gutters
Begin by cleaning out those gutters! Use a ladder to reach high gutters or a rake to remove leaves and debris. This is crucial to prevent leaks and damage this summer. If you have a leaf blower, use it to clean the gutters (and wear ear protection).
Replace shingles and shakes
Replacing old and worn-out shingles or shakes before the spring rains begin is essential to avoid leaks and damage. Remove any loose or damaged material with a hammer, then remove nails with a claw hammer. Replace them with new materials of the same type as your roof (e.g., asphalt shingles on an asphalt roof). Ensure that wood shakes are not used on tile roofs; they will rot quickly in rainwater! Make sure you call Vintage Roofing to help with this step. The last thing you need is a DIY shingle replacement to turn into a complete roof leak.
Fix leaks
If you’re unsure whether you have a leak, there are a few ways to find out. First, look for signs of water damage on the ceiling or walls. If the insulation in your attic is wet and mouldy, that’s another tip-off. You can also check for moisture stains on the roof–you might even see them from inside if it rains hard enough! For a thorough inspection, lean on the help of professional Victoria roofers. Doing so will ensure the leak is sourced correctly and sealed.
Replace flashings
Flashings are metal or plastic pieces that seal the roof to the wall. They’re typically located where two materials meet and can be damaged by weather or age, so it’s important to make sure they’re in good condition before spring rains hit.
If you notice any cracks or holes in your flashing, it’s time for a roof replacement! It’s not too hard: remove any screws holding down your current flashing, pull out old material and replace it with new flashing material (you’ll find this at any hardware store). Or hire Vintage Roofing for the best quality work, materials, and warranties.
Inspect your vents to ensure they’re not blocked by snow and ice buildup. You should also check for damage to the vent screens, which can let water in during rainy weather. If you find that your vents are blocked, clear them with a brush or broom so that they can continue to function properly throughout spring.
Check flashing around chimneys, skylights, and vent pipes
Flashing is the metal or other material around chimneys, skylights, and vent pipes. It helps prevent water from getting behind the shingles and damaging the roof.
Flashing should be inspected during every spring inspection of your property. If it appears damaged or corrupted, contact a professional roofer at Vintage Roofing to have it repaired before winter sets in again.
Ensure the ridge cap is in good shape to keep the wind from blowing through
The first thing to do is check the condition of your roof’s ridge cap. This is the topmost part of your roof, and it’s usually made from metal, wood, or concrete. It’s essential to ensure that all of your ridge caps are in good shape so the wind cannot blow through them during storms.
Spring is a great time to do some roof maintenance. While summer is a bad time for this, spring is the optimal time for repairs and other maintenance tasks. In particular, you should avoid working on your roof during the hottest summer months because it can damage shingles and shakes. Similarly, winter cold can also cause damage if you don’t take proper precautions when working near an ice dam or other frozen area on your home’s exterior.
With these tips, you’ll be confidently ready to take on the next season. However, nothing says confident, like relying on professional roofing companies for help. So, contact us here at Vintage Roofing for assistance, advice, and professional Victoria roofing services.
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