It’s springtime in the Pacific Northwest: blooming flowers, milder temperatures, and a lot of rain! Washington boasts higher precipitation than most parts of the country, so it’s essential your roof is healthy in order to protect your home from its #1 enemy: water.
These five tips for roof maintenance will help ensure that your home will be able to stand up to anything Mother Nature throws at it.
Gutters
The gutters of your house have most likely accumulated a lot of dirt, leaves, and debris over the fall and winter months. If they’re not cleaned out before the spring rains hit, blockages can form and cause the water to back up. This, in turn, causes water to pool, spilling onto the roof and potentially seeping into your attic.
Older roofs often have hidden damage that homeowners may be unaware of. If water starts to pool up due to clogged gutters, there’s a good chance it will make its way into your home.
Ice Damage
The winters in the Pacific Northwest bring snow and ice which can accumulate on a roof and take a long time to melt away. Over time, ice can expand and contract with changes in temperature, and this can cause damage to shingles or roofing tiles.
Look for areas where the tiles are curling or loose. Nails might have popped out due to the expansion and contraction of the surrounding ice. Although individual tiles can be replaced, when a roof is nearing the end of its natural life span, it’s probably best to have a roof replacement done before damage occurs.
Water Damage
Check your attic regularly for water damage that may have occurred over the winter months. Your roof tiles or shingles may have suffered hidden damage that allowed water to seep into your attic over the past few months.
Water seeping into your house can cause both structural and mold damage. Look for areas in your attic where there is discoloration or signs of dampness, especially in areas where the wall meets the ceiling. If you notice any changes in color or dark spots, this is an indication that you have a leak in your roof.
Check the Vents
After the fall and winter months, the intake and exhaust vents on your roof could potentially be clogged with dirt and leaves. This will cause a chain reaction where the moisture inside your home can’t escape. As it starts to build up, mold and structural damage will begin to occur.
Make sure that your attic has proper ventilation by removing dirt and debris from the intake and exhaust vents on your roof. Many homes were built with sub-par ventilation systems which prevent the house from breathing properly. If the air in your attic feels musty, damp, or humid, it’s best to call a professional roofer for a second opinion.
Trim the Trees
Thanks to the winter windstorms, the trees in your yard may have heavy dead branches that could easily fall off during spring rain storms. A single branch can weigh hundreds of pounds, and if it falls onto your roof it can cause thousands of dollar’s worth of damage.
It’s important to trim back any dead branches, especially any hanging over your home, driveway, or fencing. You can either hire a professional or do it yourself.
Home Roof Inspections in Tacoma
At ACME Roofing, we have over 22 years of experience helping Tacoma homeowners repair and replace their roofs. If you’d like to schedule a roof inspection or need a new roof, give us a call at (253) 564-2292 or contact us via our website.