Whether you have a residential or commercial roof, a maintenance checklist will keep it in optimal shape throughout the year.
Your property is one of your most substantial investments. For you to get the most out of it, your roof needs to withstand a variety of elements throughout the year. Seasonal changes can be hard on your building, causing wear and tear and potentially forcing you into an early roof replacement. But it’s easy to combat these issues with regular maintenance.
This post covers everything you need to know about roofing maintenance, and we discuss the methods you need to use through each seasonal change.
Seasonal Roof Maintenance Tips
The best maintenance program is a proactive one. But before you jump on the project, it’s important to establish a thorough game plan. Always be prepared with a proper checklist.
Fall Roof Maintenance
Fall is the ideal time for residential and commercial roofing improvement projects. Plan an inspection early in the season and capitalize on your warranty if a roof repair is necessary. However, facility managers shouldn’t be the ones putting in all the work.
When the leaves start to fall, clear some room in your schedule for these critical tasks:
- Gutter cleaning and debris removal
- Shingle repair and replacement
- Mortar treatment
- Tree branch trimming
You’ll also want to make sure the attic or crawlspace is well insulated, as that can prevent ice dam buildup when the temperature starts to drop. Finally, keep a sharp eye out for things such as loose brackets and shingles, deteriorating surface material, cracks, leaks, and anything else that might seem out of the ordinary.
Winter Roof Maintenance
The winter months are usually the most brutal on your roof. Unfortunately, this is often the season with the most emergency repairs. Your top priority should be keeping snow and ice from building up on the roof.
Here’s the protocol you should follow:
- Regularly check accumulation on your roof, especially after a heavy snowfall. Safely remove light buildups from the surface. For thicker pileups, make sure you have a professional onsite.
- Inspect your roof after periods of heavy wind. Clear your gutters and roof surface of debris, broken branches, or anything else that may have made its way onto the top of your building.
- Consider heat trapping. Your best option is to install ice melt socks in your gutters and along the surface. This will make snow melt faster and ultimately prevent ice from building up.
Spring Roof Maintenance
Once everything begins thawing out, it’s time for some much-needed spring cleaning. But before you break out the broom and duster, analyze the winter’s lingering effects on your roof. Schedule another inspection and see what kind of damage the winter months caused. If you didn’t follow through with your maintenance inspection during the fall, now’s the time to play catch up.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Walk through the building and document any visible signs of wear and tear.
- Take a close look at the ceiling and note any vulnerable areas that may be linked to roof leaks.
- Assess the state of your shingles. If the roof is over 15 years old, you may need to consider replacing the top layer.
- Clean your gutters and downspouts and clear away any noticeable debris.
- Check for signs of algae and moss growth.
Summer Roof Maintenance
If you’ve been treating your roof carefully throughout the other three seasons, you can take the summer to relax a little. That doesn’t mean the work is fully done, though. The warmer weather may be less harmful to your roof, but you still have the responsibility of proper upkeep. At the very least, perform a basic inspection in and around the property. Now’s an excellent time to contact an experienced roofing company to get any necessary professional treatment for your shingles, gutters, downspouts, soffits, fascia, flashing, chimney system, and vents.
Seasonal Roofing FAQs
Whether you need to know the best time to get a new roof or if you can get a roof repair in the winter, this section answers some of the most common questions customers have for roofing contractors.
What’s the best time of year to get a new roof?
The most honest answer to this question? When it needs to be replaced. Spring and fall are the most common times to replace a roof, but that doesn’t mean you should wait to replace a failing roof. Yes, even in the middle of December in Minnesota, you can get a new roof in the winter. Experienced roofing contractors can install commercial roofing systems in cold temperatures and less than ideal conditions. As an added benefit, a winter replacement may save you money because replacements are in less demand.
Are there limitations to roof repairs in the winter?
When it comes to making winter repairs, virtually any service is available. While summer is ideal for repairing or replacing asphalt shingles because the heat creates a quicker seal, knowledgeable roofing contractors can use caulk in cold temperatures to achieve the same instant seal.
I forgot to schedule a fall commercial roof maintenance appointment—should I wait until spring?
Ideally, contractors should check your roof in the spring and fall, but maintaining it is better than ignoring it. Maintenance is vital to protecting your building from harsh winter temperatures and extreme conditions. Your best bet is to have someone inspect your roofing materials during the winter rather than waiting until spring. And don’t forget that building owners can sign up for a roof maintenance program to make sure they’re scheduled for spring and fall visits.
Is snow accumulation a problem for roofs?
Snow on your roof during a Minnesota winter is unavoidable. However, after a heavy winter storm, accumulated snow may threaten the integrity of your commercial flat roof. One of the best roof maintenance tips for winter is to use a snow removal service to keep everyone and everything in your building safe.
Put Rainville-Carlson’s Roof Maintenance Tips to Work
Anything that holds value comes with a limited lifespan, and your roofing system is no exception. Fortunately, the experts at Rainville-Carlson can help you leverage its most vital benefits for years to come. When you’re ready to see the importance of roof maintenance firsthand, we can give you a long-term solution. With us in your corner, you can count on preventative maintenance that solves all of your roofing problems.
Contact the Rainville-Carlson team today to get started with a free roofing inspection.
