Now that winter is over, it’s time to check your roof for any damage that may have occurred during the winter and prepare it for the spring and summer. With high winds, spring showers, and that long-awaited sunshine, the unpredictable spring weather can do some serious damage to a roof that isn’t in peak condition. Spring is the perfect time to inspect your roof because the extreme cold of winter has usually passed, and the extreme heat of summer is yet to come. The mild weather also means there are fewer delays if you do need anything repaired.

Clean and Inspect Your Gutters

Clogged gutters can cause a lot more damage than most people think. When gutters cannot properly drain, they overflow. The water runoff is damaging to your roof and to the foundation of your house.

First, remove any debris that may have built up in your gutters over the winter. After you are sure that all the debris has been removed, use your hose to flush out any remaining residue. Once your gutters are clean, you can thoroughly check for any leaks or cracks, as well as any sections that may have detached from your roof.

Clean and Inspect Your Roof

Just like with your gutters, you can’t properly inspect your roof if it’s covered with debris. After cleaning off your roof, check for any loose or damaged shingles, sagging areas, rust, or algae or fungus. All of these are signs of damage, and you should contact a roofing contractor as soon as possible to get them repaired. Damaged and loose shingles may seem like a small problem, but if they aren’t addressed, the summer heat can make the problem much worse. Similarly, a small sag or a little bit of algae may not seem like they need to be addressed right away, but with the wet weather that comes with the spring, these problems can escalate quickly.

Inspect Your Attic

There may be damages and leaks that aren’t visible from the outside. Inspect your attic for any streaking, wet insulation, or yellowing paint as these are all signs of a potential roof leak.

Trim Back Any Overhanging Branches

High winds can wreak havoc on your trees, and your roof. Overhanging branches can break off and land on your roof, potentially causing damage to your shingles and gutters.

Make sure to inspect your roof as soon as possible this spring, so if your roof does need any repairs, you can get them taken care of before the extreme heat of summer. Contact a certified roofing contractor to ensure that your roof is thoroughly inspected, and to ensure that any and all repairs are done correctly.

Article originally published at Source by Marika Betker