Include The Roof On Your Spring Cleaning Checklist

Our Bay Area winter storms are notorious for wind and water, both of which lead to ample debris on rooftops and in gutter systems. Once the storm season has passed, it is always a good idea to schedule a roof inspection with a licensed Bay Area roofer to ensure your roof is ready for spring and summer. 

Add Roof Inspection To Your Spring Cleaning Chores 

Scheduling a roof inspection is the first step to cleaning up your roof and repairing any damage that may have occurred as a result of a winter storm. 

We’ll clear your roof of debris 

Any debris on your roof, from branches and twigs to piles of leaves, puts your roof and clogged gutter system at risk. Accumulated debris harbors moisture, and the organic materials encourage decay, which can spread from the decaying debris to your roofing materials. 

In addition to compromising the structural integrity of your roof, it will also create weak connections and penetrations that make your roof more susceptible to leaks or infiltrating moisture issues. If you have a flat roof, we’ll make sure to identify any potential areas where water is or has been pooling and repair the roof slope accordingly. 

Clean those gutters and downspouts 

While we’re there, we’re happy to clear and flush your gutters and downspouts. If they are filled or obstructed by winter’s leaves, twigs and dirt, they can’t drain water from your roofing system as they are designed to do. We recommend cleaning gutters and downspouts two times a year – in the spring and in the late fall – to keep those drainage channels as clear as possible.  

While roof inspections and clearing debris from the rooftops is better left to the professionals, gutter cleaning is a simple, DIY job for home or business owners with single-level homes. Read, Gutter Cleaning: 5 DIY Tips to Get it Done in No Time, to learn more. 

Eliminate any signs of moss or algae 

If you haven’t had your roof inspected or cleaned in a while you may see signs of moss or algae growth on the roof’s surface. This is particularly common for roofs that have dappled sun or shade exposure during the warmer months. Algae and moss love the combination of dappled to very partial sun, warmer temperatures, and organic material to feed on (any debris leftover from winter). 

Unfortunately, they can also feed on wood and roofing materials, so the presence of algae or moss means inevitable decomposition of your roof over time. We can clean algae and moss from the surface, disinfecting them to eliminate remaining spores.  

Like gutter cleaning, moss and algae removal is a DIY job if you have a single-level building and the proper safety equipment. 

Look for signs of damaged or missing roofing materials 

The combination of winds and falling debris put roofing materials at risk for chips, cracks, or blowing off completely. Always contact a roofing contractor if you notice pieces of shingle or roofing debris in your gutters, downspouts, or around the foundation. The materials covering the roof are the first line of defense and they protect the materials beneath.  

If the outer layer of the roof is damaged, it’s only a matter of time until that damage spreads to the lower layers and structural elements below. In fact, missing shingles is one of the five key signs your roof sustained water damage already. If this is the case, we’ll inspect your roof for more damage and may take a peek inside your attic to ensure there isn’t any evidence of leak or moisture infiltration where the attic meets the roofline. 

We’ll take repair edges and eaves off your spring cleaning list

The edges and eaves of your roof are also part of your roof’s water drainage system. If they are damaged, they can prevent runoff or allow moisture to continue seeping into the structural components of your roof and exterior wall systems. 

When we’re inspecting the roof, we’ll also inspect your roof edges and eaves to make sure they are in good shape. If you don’t have a drip edge installed, we recommend adding that to your roofing system as well. 

Call Us When You’re Ready

Are you ready to build a trusting and long-term relationship with a licensed Bay Area Roofer you can trust? Contact Central Bay Roofing & Restoration. We offer competitively-priced roofing repairs and replacements without sacrificing the quality of materials or craftsmanship.