Spring Cleaning: Don’t Forget Your Roof!

A lot of people dread spring cleaning. But if you want to make the inside of your house look as nice as it is outside, you will need to clean up all that dirt and debris that has built up throughout the year and the long winter months.

But don’t rush through the job! Make sure you are getting into every nook and cranny and that you are tending to every component of your home – especially the roof. Here are some essential spring cleaning tasks you will need to do for your roof:

Clean Leaves and Pine Needles

Leaves and pine needles can fall on your roof and stay there. Over time, they will compost and turn into dirt. The process can even break down some of your roofing materials. Water damage can spread throughout the roof, as can pests. It’s important that you keep your roof clean of leaves, pine needles, and other organic debris to keep it in top health. Spring cleaning is the perfect time to tackle this task.

Cut Tree Limbs

One way to keep down all that leaf clutter on the roof is to cut some of the limbs around the house. However, it is also important to cut tree limbs so that none of them fall on the roof and damage it. Hire a professional to cut any limbs that are hanging over the house or that are near the house. If you have any large bushes near the house, you should have those trimmed back as well.

Remove Moss

Moss forms when the roof does not get enough sunlight. The dark and moist conditions are ideal for moss to form. Moss can break down roofing materials, which can lead to leaks, water damage, and other problems. Moss can also undermine the energy efficiency of the roof and your home.

Cutting back some of the tree branches around your home will make it easier to keep moss at bay. You’ll let more sunlight in, which can kill off moss that is present and prevent new moss from forming. Then you can use a specialty mix to kill off the moss that is there now. Make sure you ask a roofer to inspect the area afterward to ensure that there is no damage from the moss.

Remove Mold

Moist and shadowy conditions can also cause mold and mildew to form on the roof. This growth can also eat into the roofing materials and put it at risk of further damage. It’s important that you clean off any mold, mildew, fungus, or algae from your roof to prevent the spread of damage. You must use the proper cleaners to get rid of the growth without further damaging the roof. Never use a power washer to clean your roof as it can cause extensive damage.

Repair Gutter Damage

Gutters play an important role in the health of your roof. If they don’t function properly, water can back up onto your roof and cause extensive damage. So you need to be sure that your gutters are in good shape and are up to the job of funneling away from your roof and your home. Spring is the right time to hire someone to hammer out any dents, to fix any broken seals, or to fix the slope to get proper drainage. You want this work to be done before the monsoon season begins and you are flooded with water.

Get an Inspection

You may not even know what needs to happen with your roof because you are not an expert and do not have the training to identify problems. You need to hire a roofer to perform an inspection and determine the overall health of your roof. Your roofer can find subtle issues that can become bigger problems later. By making minor repairs now, you can save yourself a lot of trouble later.

Spring cleaning isn’t just about mopping the floors and cleaning the windows. You need to give your roof a good once over also to make sure it is up to the task of protecting your home. Not only should you clean your roof, but you should also clean your landscape to remove threats, and you should have a roofer perform a thorough inspection to detect and repair any problems.

Arizona Native Roofing is a trusted Peoria roofing company that can repair and maintain your roof. We perform inspections, and we work on all types of popular roofing, including shingle, tile, and foam. If your roof has suffered severe damage or if it is nearing the end of its lifespan, our contractors can install a new roof. Contact us in Peoria today to schedule a free estimate for your roofing work or to learn more about your roofing options.

Written By:
Jason Swim – Owner