How To Clean Up And Repair Your Home's Roof From Any Winter Damage

When spring arrives, there are many clean-up projects that need your attention around the outside of your home to remove and clear away all of winter's debris and repair any damage. The exterior protection of your home is dependent upon the integrity of your home's roof and drainage system, so it is important to include the roof in your maintenance. Here are some tips to help you clean up and prepare your roof and its drainage system for summer.

Clear Off Debris

If your home's roof is flat or sloped, it can accumulate debris from winter that can cause problems for proper drainage. Safely get upon your roof to clear off any debris from winter storms and any residual accumulation of falling leaves. And, if your home has any evergreen trees growing around it, you will need to remove accumulation of pine needles, as these can fall off and onto your rooftop all throughout the year. Pick up and discard large branches and bigger pieces of debris from the roof, then use a broom to sweep or a garden hose with a sprayer attachment to spray smaller debris accumulation from the surface of the roof.

Flat Roof

A flat roof relies upon the scuppers and drains to let water flow from it to the ground below. Sweep debris from the roof's surface and clear all around the scuppers any debris to make sure water can flow freely from the roof. Then, also check the downspouts to make sure they are not clogged with any debris by rinsing them with water from your garden hose. When any water is allowed to pool on your flat roof, it can end up seeping down into the roofing layers to cause internal moisture damage to your home.

Sloped Roof

For a sloped roof, clear out and clean debris from its gutters and make sure the corresponding downspouts flow freely. Also, check to make sure the gutters are installed levelly without any leaks or holes to adequately drain water from the roof and down to the ground. Water that is allowed to leak from the gutters at your roof's edge can fall to the soil below and saturate the soil, causing water to seep into your home's foundation and basement. This can lead to moisture in your basement with the potential for mold and mildew growth.

Check for Damage

While you are upon your flat or sloped roof, check the roofing materials and any flashing that may have become damaged or displaced during the winter. Look for shingles that have become curled up, cracked, or pulled from the roof and any peeling away of flashing. For a metal roof, check to make sure all the panels are still in place and not showing any damage. On a flat roof, look for any bubbling of the roofing material, large areas of missing gravel, or cracked and peeling membrane. 

If you find any damage to your roof, hire a roofing professional like Welty Custom Exteriors, Inc to repair the damage, or complete the repairs yourself if you have the skills and knowledge.


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