Spring cleaning is a time-honored ritual for many Tacoma homeowners. The freezing winter temperatures have given way to mild weather, and it’s the perfect opportunity to take a weekend to perform a deep cleaning of the house
What some homeowners may not realize is that the spring thaw can bring forth several problems for their roofs and gutters. If left unchecked, these issues can cause premature wear and tear and potentially allow water to seep into the home.
We’re going to look at a few common roofing issues that Tacoma homeowners should take into consideration when performing their spring cleaning.
Clogged Gutters
Clogged gutters should be one of the first things that homeowners clean out when spring arrives. Six months’ worth of leaves and debris have collected in many home rain gutters and severely limited or completely blocked the flow of water. Ice dams could have formed over the winter months, causing water to pool up and find its way inside home.
The potential for roof damage increases when the spring rains come. If the gutters are blocked, water will continue to pool up and can cause mold and rot issues. Water has a funny way of finding even the smallest of cracks in a roof and can quickly work its way inside.
Pests
The wild critters that live in Tacoma neighborhoods like a nice warm place to live during the cold winter months. Squirrels, birds, and other rodents can take up residence in and around a chimney.
If the roof has suffered damage over the winter months, bats and other nocturnal creatures such as raccoons can also get inside the attic or house. In addition to causing structural damage, their droppings can be a significant health hazard to homeowners and small children alike as they enter the house through the vents or windows.
Algae Growth
Algae can form once the ice on the roof starts to melt. Unlike mold or moss, algae can be challenging to spot from the ground due to how thin it is. It’s also very slippery, and even the smallest patch can cause a safety hazard for homeowners who get up on their roof to check for winter damage.
The best way to inspect your roof for algae is to go up on a sunny day and carefully look for dark spots that appear visually different from the rest of the shingles. Wearing a good pair of safety boots or shoes can also help decrease the risk of slipping and falling.
If algae outbreaks are left unchecked and untreated, the process of roof weathering can start to eat away at the shingles. This, in turn, can cause structural damage to the point where tiles no longer protect the roof and water will start to enter the home.
Tacoma Roofing Services
If you’d like to schedule springtime roof maintenance, or you suspect you might have a leak, give us a call at (253) 564-2292. At ACME Roofing, we have over 22 years of experience helping Tacoma homeowners repair and replace their roofs. We can help inspect your roof and work with you to find the right solution that will protect both you and your loved ones for many decades to come.