If you want to ensure that your home roofing system remains in good condition year-round, then it is imperative that seasonal roof inspections and regular maintenance are on the top of your to-do list. Therefore, you must make sure that summertime roof cleaning is something that you partake in. If you want to avoid emergency roof repairs, new roof installations, and other inconveniences, then cleaning your roof during the summer is a must. Here are a few things you should know and do when it comes to summertime roof cleaning in Blountsville.
Choose the Right Day to Clean Your Roof
Make sure that you choose a non-windy, sunny day to clean your roof. Obviously, you won’t want it to be too hot when you get up on your roof, so choose a day that has temperatures in the low to mid-70s. You may also want to try to clean your roof earlier in the day to avoid excess heat and UV rays — after all, who wants an unnecessary sunburn? The most important thing is that you choose a day that is not windy to avoid having any chemicals that you use being blown off the roof. Also, choose a day that is not rainy so your materials don’t get soaked, creating a slippery surface that is dangerous to walk on.
Safety First!
Once you choose a good day to clean your roof, you will want to make sure that you practice proper safety precautions. Ensure you wear adequate footwear, such as anti-slip boots. In addition, don’t go up on your residential roof without someone being around or at the very least knowing that you will be getting on the roof. The best thing you can do is to have someone on the ground in the event that you need them. You never know when you may need them to throw or hand something up to you — it sure beats you having to go up and down the ladder.
Remove Roof Debris
Over time, a significant amount of debris will accumulate on your residential roofing system, some of which won’t come off easily. This debris will trap moisture on the roof, creating the ideal environment for mildew, algae, and moss to grow. This debris needs to be thoroughly removed, including leaves and pine needles — all of which could potentially creates major clogs in your gutter system and result in ice dams once winter comes along in a few months.
Focus on Cleaning Gutters
Just because you are cleaning your roof doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t clean your gutter system while you are at it; in fact, this should be part of your summertime roof cleaning routine. After all, the gutters are part of your roofing system. Your gutters should be cleaned out thoroughly at least once a year, though they should be cleaned out more often if you can find the time to ensure they are functioning properly year-round. This will help to reduce the need for costly roof repairs and roof replacements down the road.
Visually Inspect for Roof Damage
When you perform summertime roof cleaning, or a roof cleaning any time of the year, make sure that you also perform a visual inspection of the roof so that you can spot any signs of damage. Harsh winters and spring storms can often result in serious snow and hail damage to shingles, and early detection of this damage is key to avoiding further roof damage and unnecessary costly roof repairs. Look for any signs of wear and tear, such as degranulation in the shingles, curling shingles, missing shingles, broken shingles, or even any areas that may be developing roof leaks — all of which point to the need for professional roof repair from your local roofing company.
If you need help cleaning your roof during the summer or you spot any signs of roof damage, contact our local roofing contractors in Blountsville today. We’d be more than happy to provide a free roof inspection and a custom roofing estimate.
