Spring Cleaning Isn't Just for the Inside
As a Master Roofer, I know exactly what winter ice, snow, and wind do to a house. When the frost thaws and spring arrives, I have a mandatory weekend ritual for my own home. Taking an hour to do this checklist saves me thousands of dollars and extending the life of my roof in the long run.
1. Clean Out the Gutters
This is priority number one. Leaves and pine needles clog the downspouts over the winter. If spring rains arrive and the gutters are choked, the water backs up directly under the eaves and rots the fascia board. I strap on some heavy gloves and scoop out all the muck.
2. Inspect for Loose or Lifted Shingles
Using a good pair of binoculars (I stay on the ground whenever possible!), I scan the roof slopes. Winter winds often break the adhesive seal on shingles. If I see a tab that is slightly lifted or flapping, I know it needs to be hand-sealed immediately before a spring thunderstorm rips it entirely off.
3. Check the Pipe Boots
I focus my binoculars on the black rubber seals around the plumbing vent pipes. The extreme cold causes the rubber to contract and crack. If it looks dry-rotted or split, I grab my toolbelt and replace it. 90% of the minor spring leaks I get called out for are failed pipe boots.
4. Trim Back the Branches
If any tree branches grew closer to the roof over the winter, I trim them back so they are at least six feet away. Not only do branches scrape the life out of the shingles in the wind, but they act as a highway for squirrels and raccoons to access my attic.
5. Sweep Off the Moss
If I see any green moss starting to grow on the north-facing slopes, I treat it. I use a gentle moss-killing solution. I never use a pressure washer—pressure washing destroys the protective granules on asphalt shingles.
Do these five things every spring, and your roof will thank you.