Tips For Your Roof
Updated: May 8
The last lingering weeks of warm temperatures are the perfect time for swimming, picnics … and taking care of your roof. Huh? Yes, along with say-goodbye-to-summer fun, this is the season to take care of your roof before potential problems are covered up by snow, and cold, icy weather makes roof repair more complicated and dangerous. Here’s what you must know to ensure your roof is in great shape.
Gutter Cleaning
Gutters perform the important task of directing water off your roof and onto the ground, safely away from your home's foundation. They tend to collect all kinds of “goodies,” though, and by summer’s end, may be full of twigs, pine needles, seedpods, and abandoned bird’s nests. This debris will block water flow unless it is cleared out.
Gutter cleaning can be done as a DIY project. You’ll need:
a sturdy ladder
a trowel or gutter brush
gloves
a bucket
your garden hose
a good supply of patience
After fishing large items out of the gutters by hand, use the trowel or brush to remove sludge. The last step of your gutter cleaning is a spritz with the hose. To protect against leaf clogs when autumn comes, consider installation of gutter guards.
DIY Gutter and Roof Inspection
While you’re up on that ladder (never actually walk on the roof unless you are very sure of what you are doing -- or are a professional roofer), check your gutters for loose bolts, split seams, or damaged support brackets. Perform a basic roof inspection from your ladder as well, which could indicate a roof leak.