With the weather heating up, it’s time to see what maintenance your home’s roof needs to stay in top shape. Every season brings new maintenance that should be performed seasonally, so we’ve put together a list of some spring and summertime services you should absolutely keep in mind. Some of these can be performed by crafty homeowners, but others should be left to expert roofers in Tupelo, MS:
- Monitor gutters and drainage: Spring rains will quickly tell a homeowner if their gutters have been clogged by leaves or other blockages. Keep an eye out for signs of bent gutters, busted brackets or any other areas where water drains onto the house or the siding. Also make sure that the ground near your house slopes away at a rate of at least six vertical inches over ten feet—the right rationale here will keep water away from your foundation and make spring basement flooding less likely.
- Inspect your roof for winter damage: Check for any shingles that might need repair as well as damage around your house’s chimney. Rot may affect wooden parts of the chimney, while rust can damage any metal elements. If you have a skylight, make sure there aren’t signs of leakage around the edges like water stains. If signs of damage are there, the good news is that you have a few months to repair them before next winter.
- Check your siding: Look for loose or rotting boards to replace. Caulk around areas where a gap appears between the siding and the windows. Spend a day washing your siding like you would your car: with soap, water, a garden hose and a brush. Make sure that your house number is easily visible to emergency personnel from the street.
- Assess your attic: Pay attention to leaks during any spring rains in your attic. Your attic may show signs of leakage through water stains, discolored insulation, rotting joists and moldy boards. Make sure to keep your attic fan clear of any blockage or bird nests. Any areas of rot or mold that exceed 10 square feet should probably be brought to the attention of professionals.
- Wash your windows: Toward the end of the season, treat your windows to a thorough washing. Clean windows let more sunlight in, which lowers heating bills during the colder months. An eco-friendly solution of one part vinegar to eight parts water with a drop of dish soap will keep your glass streak-free. Apply with a soft cloth and then squeegee dry for a pristine look.
Once you’ve identified any trouble areas using these homeowner tips, be sure to contact a roofer in Tupelo, MS to see what the next steps might be to fix any problems that you’ve discovered. The wealth of knowledge and experience makes calling professionals the preferred method of making home repairs, rather than testing the DIY skills of a homeowner. The experts appreciate being told what the problem is, but make sure they are the ones who put the solutions into place!