Monday 21 March 2016

5 Steps to Inspect & Spring Clean Your Roof

Spring Roof Inspection Spring Cleaning insulation


Spring is officially here. Flowers will soon start poking up from the ground and trees will start to bud. Hopefully we don’t get much more snow! With the weather starting to warm up, you might be getting the urge to give your house a good spring clean. While you’re working through the inside of your home with tasks such as dusting and organizing closets and cupboards, it’s easy to forget about the outside of your home.

Your roof is an important structure that needs just as much attention as the inside of your home. Inspecting and cleaning it should be a priority on your spring cleaning list.

Spring roof inspections & clean ups are important because your roof will have taken a beating during the winter months. Built up snow and ice can prevent pools of water from properly draining off your roof, not to mention expanding ice can damage tiles. You can inspect your roof for signs of damage that go deeper than just roof tiles.

Here are 5 steps you can take to make sure your roof can make it another year, or find out if it’s time to replace it.

1. Take a Walk
Before you actually take out your ladder and climb up, it’s a good idea to just do a visual inspection from the ground. In fact, if you are nervous on a ladder, you can do the entire inspection from the ground with a pair of binoculars. Look for obvious signs of damage, blockages, and debris.

2. Inspection
If you have a sturdy ladder handy, and another person to help spot you, you can climb up for a closer look. Keeping ladder safety in mind, take a close look at your roof for any cracked caulking or rust, curling, buckling, or missing shingles, or any bubbling or blistering.

3. Remove Debris
Remove any debris that may have collected on the roof during the winter months. This includes leaves, branches, pine needles, pine cones, and anything else you find that doesn't belong! Now is also a good time to inspect your gutters and clear out debris that may prevent water from properly draining.

4. Trim Branches
Look for any trees that have branches touching or coming within a couple feet of your roof or home. It’s a good idea to carefully trim these areas back as loose branches can cause damage to the shingles. The close shade of a tree can also promote the growth of mildew on the roof.

5. Look For Signs of Mould
Mould, mildew, lichen, and algae can cause some serious damage to your roof. They can be signs of rotting and water damage that can go deeper into your home and cause not only structural issues but also health issues.

It’s always a good idea to have a professional inspect your roof if you suspect it might need to be replaced or repaired. You should also consult a professional if you think there might be issues that go deeper into your home, such as in the insulation or structure.

A part of inspecting your roof should also be inspecting your attic for signs of mould, mildew, and even animals that may have made your attic into their winter home. All of these things can compromise your insulation, costing you money on power bills and possibly affecting your family’s health and safety.

If you suspect an issue with your insulation, feel free to contact us at Georgian Insulation. We can inspect your insulation and help you come up with a solution to ensure your home is properly insulated for the warmer months.

Georgian Insulation Systems, the area’s leading insulation contractor will work with you to achieve the highest level of efficiency in your home.  Call us for a free estimate on your project.
1-866-576-9338