Spring-Cleaning Checklist: How to Get Your Roof Back to Top Shape

Stephen Griswell • January 16, 2023

Spring and better weather are on their way. Spring-cleaning is an essential reset after winter months. Inclement weather can make it difficult to handle many roofing tasks. As the weather gets warmer, you might be considering the best way to tackle cleaning your roof this spring.

Clean Your Roof of Debris: Tree branches, leaves and other materials might have gotten trapped on your roof since you last cleaned it. You can remove debris from your gutters and roof by hand. Be warned if you’re attempting to clean your own roof – improper use of a power washer (excessive pressure) can remove granules and damage your roof or shingles. The less walking you do on your residential roof the better it usually is for a roof’s longevity.

While you’re clearing debris from your roof and gutter area, you should also prune back any tree branches that might be in danger of damaging your roof in high winds.

This process should allow you to discover any curled, cracked or loose shingles or shingles that have lost too many granules. If you notice roof damage, it may be time to call Total Roof Solutions at 678-752-8668.
Clean Your Gutters: Debris and other materials might have gotten stuck in your gutters during the winter and can cause clogs or sagging. Wear gloves or use a gutter scoop to remove the debris.

Gutters protect your home from water damage by guiding water away from your siding and foundation. Clogged gutters can place your roof, landscaping, siding and foundation at risk of water damage. If this has occurred, contact a roofing specialist like Total Roof Solutions to get all the gutter damage repaired quickly and professionally.

After cleaning your gutters, check for leaks by running hose water through them. Repair leaks and any sections of your gutter that are sagging.
Check for Damage: Check your shingles after clearing off debris. There are several common forms of shingle damage that you should check for after removing all the debris off your roof. You might notice that some of your shingles have lost too many granules, are loose, curling or have grown mold or mildew.

Shingle granules provide an additional barrier between your shingles and the elements. It is natural for the granules to be lost over time.

Loose or damaged shingles can result in expensive leaks and water damage. It’s better to have them repaired sooner than later.

Leaves and other natural debris can provide the perfect conditions for mold and mildew to grow on your roof. Not only do mold and mildew present health risks for those in your household, but they can also lead to your shingles and roof decaying.
Check Your Seals, Flashing and Chimney: To get your roof back to tip-top shape you should check the seals and flashing around your chimney. Flashing is made of metal that can corrode over time after decades of exposure to water. Seal is an adhesive protectant for your flashing that keeps it safe from water damage, but it can crack or lift over time. Cracks in your sealing and corroded or rusted flashing, while not always immediately obvious, can allow water and bugs to get into your home.

Degraded sealing and damaged flashing should be replaced by experienced roofers who know how to ensure your roof stays watertight.
Check Your Attic Space: Some damage might not be visible from the outside. If you have an attic space, be sure to check it for any signs of water damage. Mold and mildew in your attic space and water damage are clear indicators that your roof is in need of repair.

Include Total Roof Solutions in Atlanta in Your Spring-Cleaning Plans

While you begin to check items off your spring-cleaning checklist, keep Total Roof Solutions in mind. Whether your spring-cleaning checklist this year involves repairing your roof or something closer to a home renovation, Total Roof Solutions can provide you with quality, professional help on your home’s roof. We are proud to serve Atlanta, Georgia.