Essential Seasonal Roof Maintenance Checklist

While we might not take too much notice of the roofs atop our homes, we must never forget the importance of keeping them well-maintained. They serve as a protector during fall and winter months when temperatures drop and the weather becomes more volatile. And they help keep us cool in summer. 

Having a quick look and seeing that the roof is still there after a major storm is reassuring, but you’ll want to spend a bit more time taking a closer inspection after any severe weather events. It is best to also carry out some routine maintenance tasks. 

If you are not sure of what exactly is necessary and expert-recommended, then check out the 6 steps to follow below for fool-proof fall/winter and spring/summer roof maintenance.

Fall and Winter Roof Maintenance Checklist:

1. Inspect the roof 

First up is a quick DIY inspection to look for any obvious signs of damage, loose shingles or tiles, holes, or cracks. These could be found on the roofing material itself or the flashing; around chimneys for example. Some things may not be so clear to see, so be sure to go up into the attic and take a look for any dampness, water stains, or sunlight coming through.

If you prefer to trust a licensed contractor, a professional roof inspection will mean having this taken care of for you for around an average of $420. 

2. Clean the gutters

Having clean gutters plays an important role in the health of your roof. The drainage systems keep water away from your home. If they get clogged up, water can begin to seep into your home through your roof, ultimately causing damage. Making sure you take into consideration relevant safety precautions, you can clean your gutters yourself with a sturdy ladder, someone else to hold it, and a pair of yard gloves. 

Like many roof maintenance tasks, this may be another one you’re not so keen on carrying out yourself. The average cost to hire a pro to clean gutters is roughly $300. 

3. Check insulation

It may be easy to overlook insulation when carrying out roof maintenance, but it is a major part of your roof and it must be in good condition heading into fall and winter months. If there are issues with the insulation it can lead to heat loss, meaning you rely more on your heating, subsequently raising your energy bills. Not having proper insulation can also lead to ice dams occurring. 

4. Remove snow and check for ice dams

If you live in an area with a lot of snowfall each winter, you may want to consider investing in tools that can remove it. When snow melts, it can cause leaks, which is another reason why inspecting the roof in fall is essential. Snowfall can also be heavy and weigh up to 30 pounds per cubic foot. 

Ice dams are also something to look out for. Melted snow can refreeze around the roof's eaves, resulting in ice buildup. This ice can result in water infiltrating through and causing damage to the roof. Good attic insulation can help avoid ice dams by making sure the roof remains at a cold temperature so the snow doesn’t melt. 

5. Inspect the chimney

If you have a chimney on your roof you’ll want to check that the caps are securely fastened in place before the blustery winter weather moves in. A chimney cap serves to stop the elements from coming into your home, such as rain or snow. It also prevents debris from pouring down the chimney. 

6. Don’t seal your attic vents 

You may have read that you need to seal up your attic vents during the colder seasons to prevent cold air from entering your attic and home. Yet, while it may seem counterproductive, having cold air flow through your attic can help control the warmth of your home from heating up your roof and leading to ice dams. 

Spring and Summer Roof Maintenance Checklist:

1. Inspect the roof

As you would imagine, much of the maintenance you carry out in fall and winter you then should repeat in readiness for spring and summer. After a harsh winter season, your roof would have been exposed to a lot of potential damage from weather elements. It’s important to check for the same signs of damage; holes, leaks, missing shingles, and any other signs of wear and tear. 

2. Clean the gutters

Springtime can bring about a lot of rain showers and you’ll want to make sure that your gutters and downspouts are not clogged. If rain isn’t properly redirected away from your home, it could cause leaks and damage, especially to the roof. Over the winter months, freezing conditions can cause gutters to crack, so make sure to check for any signs of this. 

3. Trim overhanging trees

Many trees are in full leaf during summer and therefore your roof is at risk of overhanging branches. It’s a good idea to trim any part of a tree that is hanging over your roof as falling leaves and other debris can cause blockages in gutters. They can also damage shingles as they constantly scrape against them. If it’s not a task you feel up to doing yourself, you can get in touch with a local tree trimming company that can take care of a precarious overhanging branch for anywhere between $50 and $200. 

4. Remove moss and algae

Moss and algae will thrive during the winter and into spring as they grow well with moisture and shade. Spring is the best time to check and remove these from your roof. They can grow between and under your shingles causing them to lift. Due to the amount of moisture they can hold, it can also cause rotting and discoloration. Periodically cleaning your roof will help to avoid moss and algae buildup. 

5. Check for pest infestations

Pests may have taken refuge under your roof during the winter months. It’s essential to check that you don’t have any infestations that could be harming your roofing. There could be rodents, birds, insects, wasps, or hornets, among others. You’ll want to contact a professional pest removal team if the problem is serious for around $200. Once taken care of, be sure to seal up any entry point that pests may have used on your roof. 

6. Check attic and roof ventilation

Ventilation is essential to your home, and your attic and roof play an important role in this, especially during warmer, summer months. Heat and moisture buildup can lead to roof damage. To ensure your home is well-ventilated, check for any damage, debris, or blockage on ridge, gable, or roof vents. Do the same for soffit vents along the underside of your roof's eaves. Take a look inside your attic for any signs of moisture such as condensation. 

Save This Seasonal Roof Maintenance Checklist 

Roof maintenance has to be routine as a homeowner. With the importance your roof possesses in keeping you safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient, making sure it is in tip-top shape can not go overlooked. This simple checklist has you covered for all seasons. But remember, if you’re not confident in carrying out any of the tasks, be sure to get in touch with a local roofing company that can carry out routine roof maintenance for you.