Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Spring Roofing Maintenance

As the snow begins to melt and the weather becomes warmer the list of things homeowners need to accomplish before the heat of the summer returns continues to grow.  When it comes to home improvements spring is the perfect time to get things done.  Now is the perfect time to start planning!
When it comes to spring cleaning one area that is often forgotten about is your roof.  This is a mistake that many homeowners make.  Your roof is your homes first defense when it comes to protecting your home from the elements.  Homeowners should be sure to check their roofs for broken or loose asphalt shingles.  Shingles that are broken or loose will create issues for the structure of the roof.  The water that puddles or leaks because of faulty shingling can cause more than issues with your roofing.  The homes structure relies on the overall effectiveness of the roof.
While homeowners are on the roof they should also review the homes gutters.  Snow and ice throughout the winter can lead to additional deposits of leaves, twigs and pine needles within the gutters.  To prevent clogging within the downspouts, homeowners should create an environment that allows water to flow through without any clogging to the home downspouts.  Roofing contractors recommend thorough roof inspections throughout the spring to prevent major damage that can occur when roofing issues are left untreated.
Spring is the perfect time to think about painting your home.  The weather is finally warm enough that homeowners can open their windows, paint and enjoy the fresh color on your walls. Pick at least one room each spring and give the space a facelift.
Now is also the time to start planning for a facelift on the exterior of your home as well.  Your homes landscape makes or breaks the curb appeal of your home.  A little sweat equity goes a long way when it comes to improving the first impression people have of your home.  Clean up your landscaping, add some color and reinvent the exterior of your home.  Grab some pruning shears and get busy.  A bit of elbow grease goes a long way in your homes curb appeal.
Spring cleaning often brings on a bit of cabin fever when this occur start by decreasing the clutter in your home.  Look around your home, open your windows, shake some rugs and start to go through the clutter that has become your home.
In short when considering spring maintenance around your home begin by considering the effects the winter weather has had on your roof.  It is important you or a professionalroofing contractor looks at your roof and considers the shape your gutters are in.  From there consider a new coat of paint on the interior walls, declutter closets and knick knacks and tidy up the exterior of your home. This will ensure you and your home are ready to recover from the enclosed feeling of winter and move into the freedom summer brings us.
Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services throughout Brighton, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Commerce Township, including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs.  You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.

The Attention Your Roof Need After A Long Winter

Finally the snow is starting to melt.  The cold temperatures and winter precipitation are giving way to the sounds of spring.   Now is the time that homeowners should start to reach out to contractors to help them get ready for spring time maintenance.  Roofing contractors are especially busy with roof inspections and spring cleaning.
Yep, even your roof needs attention after a long winter.  This is especially true in areas where fall leaves fell late and the snow covered piles of rotting leaves.  Underneath this mess is for sure to be the start of moss and algae growth.  Spring cleaning and maintenance will ensure your roof is in top condition and left looking brand new. Here are some tips to take into account when it comes to spring maintenance for your roof.
When you live in an area where tree growth is heavy it is crucial that all the tree limbs that are close to the roof are cut back.  This helps allow the sun to shine on the roof to help dry out left over moisture and prevents tree limbs from rubbing over the shingles and loosening the protective granules.
When leaves and one needles fall and are left to collect on your shingles they will hold in moisture causing mildew to build up, gutters to become blocked and extra weight on the roof.  A low intensity leaf blower should be used to clear the roof.  Never use a high powered blower or rake to clear the roof as this can cause damage to the shingle roof.
Although trimming back trees and clearing leaves will help reduce moss growth on your roof it can still form in pockets that do not have enough access to sunlight.  Moss thrives on moisture and therefore unless the roof can thoroughly dry it will continue to grow and thrive.  One way to rid your roof of moss is to use a chemical solution that is available on the market today although the chemicals can cause damage to plants and other landscaping in the area.  Another solution is to install a zinc or copper strip to the ridge line of the roof.  As rain washes across the area it will help to create an environment where moss can no longer grow.
Mold is another issue that needs to be addressed in the spring when maintaining your roof.  Mold, algae and fungi all eat away at your roofing which eventually will cause a leak in the roofs foundation.  In order to treat your shingles roofing contractors suggest a solution of chlorine bleach or copper sulfate be sprayed on the area.  Never power wash a roof to get rid of mold or growths as this can dislodge the granules on the asphalt shingles and cause failure to the roof.
A final step in spring roofing maintenance has to do with your gutters.  Leftover fall leaves and debris can fall into the homes gutters and cause them to clog.  This can cause damage along the roof line.  Before the springtime rain comes clear the debris from the gutters and ensure that water can flow through without any issue.  Fix loose nails that prevent the gutters from sitting flush along the roof line.
Handling potential issues with your roof during spring maintenance prevents serious problems later on down the road.
Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services throughout Brighton, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Commerce Township, including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs.  You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.