Due to its cooler temperatures and chances for heavy precipitation, winter can leave roofs looking worse for wear. Although spring is a much milder season, the weather can take a toll on roofs, too. Springtime maintenance is an excellent opportunity to reverse any damage sustained by your roof. It’s also a chance to prime roofs for the challenges of summer. Use these spring roof maintenance tips to catch and correct developing problems early on.

Inspect the Base of Your Downspouts

Start by inspecting the base of your downspouts. Runoff carries small, loose debris here. Look for tiny, pebble-like granules. If you have lots of dark-colored granules just beneath your downspouts, your roof’s shingles are losing their protective coating.

These granules provide UV protection to extend the life span of shingles. With age-related granule loss, roof shingles frequently lose their moisture and flexibility as well. Granule loss is sometimes a good sign that roofs are ready for replacement. If you find lots of granules in your gutters or beneath your downspouts, schedule a professional roofing assessment.

Clean Your Gutters

Remove all wet, decaying matter from your gutters. As they decompose, damp leaves, twigs and pine needles create the perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other insects. Fruits and seeds from overhanging trees can also attract climbing animals, including squirrels, raccoons and rats. Cleaning out your gutters will help you keep your roof pest-free.

During this process, look for loose fasteners, corrosion and staining on nearby siding. Neglecting dirty or failing gutters can significantly shorten the life span of your roof. Correcting structural and functional problems right away will prepare your rooftop drainage for heavy spring rain.

Clear Off Moss and Mold

Widespread shingle granule loss can give roofs a patchy or blotchy appearance when viewed from the curb. Areas with lots of missing shingle granules tend to appear darker than areas with shingles still intact. But large, dark patches on roofing are more commonly the result of fast-spreading moss or mold.

These growths undermine the structural integrity of roofing materials. They attract pests, trap moisture and set the stage for water leaks. However, using store-bought pressure washing equipment can damage roofing elements. If there is a lot of moss or mold on your roof, have a licensed roofer clean it instead. Roofers use power washing equipment with special “soft wash” settings that get the job done without causing issues.

Check for Loose Flashing and Missing Shingles

Inspect your roof from the curb or by standing on a ladder, but don’t physically mount it. Look for loose, missing and curled shingles as well as visibly damaged flashing around rooftop protrusions. If you inspect your roof from the curb, consider using a pair of binoculars to get a clear view.

Trim Low-Hanging Branches

Trim all low-hanging branches near your roof. Taking good care of your trees will keep weak and dying branches from breaking off and causing impact damage. Finding and removing low-hanging branches can also reduce your risk of roof damage caused by climbing animals.

Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection

Even with a pair of binoculars in hand, a quick inspection from the curb won’t take the place of a professional roof inspection. Every property needs a professional roof inspection once each year. Scheduling this service in spring will allow you to find and fix all problems caused by winter weather and successfully prepare your roof for summer. If you have concerns or require roof repair services, contact Kairos Roofing in Fort Lauderdale, FL.