The roofing industry has changed quite a lot over the years. These days, homeowners are rarely opting for the standard, 3-tab shingles that were so popular a few decades ago. Instead, they are going with architectural shingles, and in some cases, with even more eco-friendly options like green roofing or slate. Whether you're shopping around for a new roof or are thinking of having repairs made to your current roof, it pays to be educated. Learn the basics on this blog, where we discuss roofing in the modern world. We explore various roofing materials, roofing techniques, and how to find the right roofer.
You're dealing with winter right now. But, spring will be here before you know it. When it arrives, you'll want to take care of the roof maintenance. If you're not sure how to provide spring maintenance for your shingle roof, read the list provided below. Here are four steps to take as soon as the weather warms up.
Check for Post-Holiday Damage
Now that the holidays are over, it's time to inspect your roof for damage. This is especially important if you had any rooftop decorations on your home. Many people turn their rooftops into decorative displays during the holidays.
Unfortunately, those displays can do considerable harm to shingles. To make sure your roof doesn't leak during the next rain storm, inspect your roof for damage. If you see damaged shingles, be sure to call for repairs. Your roofer can replace the damaged shingles.
Avoid Using a Pressure Washer
If your shingles have been exposed to moisture all winter long, you can expect some mold and algae growth. If that's the case, you'll need to clean the shingles as soon as the weather warms up. If there's a lot of algae and mold, you might want to use a pressure washer for the project.
Unfortunately, that's the worst thing you can do, especially with a shingle roof. Pressure washers can wreak havoc on shingle roofs. To avoid that, use a push broom and sudsy water to clean the shingles. Or, you can have your roofer clean the shingles for you.
Inspect for Loose Shingles
If you've gotten a lot of snow and ice this winter, you'll want to inspect for loose shingles. This is especially true with regard to the lower edge of the roof line. Extended exposure to ice can cause roof shingles to lift and loosen. This happens most often during the freeze/thaw cycle.
Water gets under the shingles. As it freezes, the ice expands. This causes the shingles to lift. Then, the ice thaws, which causes the cycle to repeat. Make sure the freeze/thaw cycle doesn't damage your shingles. Inspect for loose shingles after the last thaw of the season. If you find loose shingles, contact a roofer right away.
Prepare for Next Winter
If you're like most people, you want to forget about the cold weather as soon as spring arrives. But, spring is the perfect time to get your roof ready for next winter. If your roof sustained ice damage this winter, have your roofer install heat tape. Heat tape stops the freeze/thaw cycle. But, it also keeps your gutters flowing during the winter.
Contact a company like Pelican Roofing to learn more about shingle roof maintenance.