Spring Cleaning for Your Roof

Spring is almost here, and that means it’s almost time for spring cleaning. Although you are probably used to clearing out the garage, decluttering the basement, and scrubbing down the kitchen and bathroom, there’s one part of your home you may be neglecting: your roof. Find out everything you need to know about spring cleaning for your roof here, and do not hesitate to call our experts at Lyons Roofing year-round for all your residential roofing needs.

Our Spring Cleaning Checklist for Your Roof

1. Clear Off Debris: Over the course of the fall and the winter, it’s natural for a certain amount of debris to accumulate on your roof. Twigs, leaves, and other scraps from nature may not seem like a big deal in the short term, but they can cause lots of problems for your roofing system over time. That’s why if you can safely climb on a ladder and scrape off debris with a brook or a rake, it’s a good idea to do so once spring rolls around. Just be careful not to scrape the granules on your shingles too hard, as this will cause them to wear down faster. Speaking of which…
2. Look Out for Loose Shingles: In Arizona, we are lucky that our roofs aren’t likely to be affected by snow and ice during the wintertime. Still, there are a number of other things that can loosen your shingles, such as high winds and precipitation, so it is always a good idea before spring begins and rains are likely to pick up to check your roof for loose shingles (as well as loose tiles and shake.) If you find that any of your shingles are cracked or curled, you should call a professional and see if you need a repair, before you wind up with a leak in your house.
3. Check Your Attic: Your attic should already be on your list for spring cleaning, so while you’re up there, make sure to check for roof leaks. You can end up with serious water damage in your attic before a leak from your roof even reaches the rest of your home, so if you have not been up there in awhile, now is the time for an inspection. And while you’re looking out for water damage, make sure you also—
4. Get Rid of Mold Growth: If there is a funky, stale smell in your attic, you could be dealing with mold or mildew growth. A lot of people don’t know that in addition to causing structural damage inside of your home, mold can also grow on your roof, so make sure to check up there for mold, too. If you do find mold in your home, call a restoration company to remove it ASAP, as severe mold growth can cause a number of health issues. If you find it on your roof, get a hose and try to wash it off. Mold can be tricky to spot on the roof without actually climbing on it (something which you should leave to the professionals,) so try to spot discolored, mossy patches you don’t recall being there before. If you cannot be sure whether you’re dealing with mold or not, call a professional roofer to remove it for you. Remember, if mold causes enough structural damage, you could end up having to replace your roof altogether.
5. Trim Tree Branches: It should go without saying, but if you have spotted any tree branches on your roof, it is important to remove them as soon as possible. You may be able to remove small enough branches on your own, but for larger pieces, it is a good idea to call a roofer. However, even if you haven’t had any branches fall on your home recently, you should still pay attention to the position of trees that may be hanging over your roof. If branches have fallen on your roof before, they may fall again. And even if you’ve never had a problem with tree branches, letting them linger over your roof is still a great way to end up with debris and even pests on top of your home. Bottom line: tree branches can cause a ton of damage to your roof, and the larger they are, the greater reason there is for you to trim them to avoid a problem.
6. Inspect Flashing/Chimney: Flashing is the flat, thin lining, typically made of metal or plastic, that is used to prevent water from entering the openings and cracks on your roof. It is extremely important for holding your larger roofing system together, not to mention preventing leaks. When flashing begins to pull away over time, either due to extreme weather or general wear and tear, you can end up with water seeping into your property, not to mention infestations of insects and pests. It is a good idea to inspect your flashing after winter is over, to see if it has been damaged during the season. The same goes for your chimney, which is also vulnerable to leaks and cracks. If you notice issues with your flashing or chimney, call a professional roofer immediately.
7. Schedule a Roof Inspection: While we’re talking about calling a roofer, why not call Lyons Roofing today to schedule an inspection. Our skilled roofers offer a number of maintenance options, so you don’t end up needing emergency roofing service. If you have cleaned your roof off this spring but still aren’t sure whether it could benefit from service, contact Lyons Roofing, and let our expert team take a look today.

Lyons Roofing is available by phone at (520) 447-2522, or you can simply contact us online.