Summer is almost upon us here in Washington and that means it’s time for BBQ, fun in the sun, and of course, seasonal roof maintenance. Though the final activity doesn’t sound as enjoyable as the first two, it is vital to do if you want to ensure your roof can withstand summer weather and be ready for fall and winter. Basic maintenance shouldn’t take more than a couple of hours and can save significant time and money on future repairs. Here are a few basic things you can do.
Check roof from the ground. Walk around your home, preferably with a pair of binoculars, and check for obvious signs of damage such as cracked shingles, loose shingles, moss, algae, or debris.
Clear debris and fungal growth. If you notice an accumulation of any type of debris, algae, or moss, it recommended to set up a ladder and carefully remove it. You should wear work gloves and ask a neighbor or household member to make sure the ladder is steady. It is best to do this chore during the more cool morning hours rather than during the exhausting afternoon heat wave.
Check any metal stripping while you’re on your roof. A lot of roofs have metal strips around the chimney, vents, or ridge, that may have become loose during winter and spring storms. If during your maintenance you notice it has come loose, you will need to get a roofing contractor out to repair or replace the flashing. Doing this sooner rather than later safeguards from the additional costs you will incur if the metal strips deteriorate or become completely detached.
Clean out the gutters. All kinds of debris (bird’s nests, branches) can compile in your gutters and prevent water from flowing through. Use the summertime as an opportunity to fix these clogs and improve the life and durability of your gutters. A threat to look out for is the potential presence of wasps, who are notorious for building their nests around gutters and roof protrusions.
Make sure your gutters haven’t come loose. Just like metal stripping, gutters can loosen and potentially detach in harsh weather and you may need to tighten them up in the summer. This can be done by tightening all the bolts with a wrench or can have a roofing professional do it for you if you feel uncomfortable with the process.
Remember, the summer months are perfect for roofing work, and if you need any major or minor repairs this summer, call Chase Construction North West Inc. We have spent over 13 years as the best in the Northwest and we center our operations around providing our customers with the most value. You can trust Chase Construction North West, Inc. with your residential re-roofs and your large flat commercial projects. You can contact us today to schedule your free estimate at (253) 544-3651 or by filling out our estimate form. Thank you for visiting our website and considering us for your next project!