Spring Roofing & Siding Maintenance Tips

The temps are rising, and the spring thaw is upon us here in the Midwest. Even if you didn’t experience winter home exterior issues this year, the melting snow and ice can reveal and/or worsen hidden problems, or even create new ones all together. Stay proactive in protecting your home and preparing for storm season with these spring roofing and siding maintenance tips.

Roofing Maintenance Checklist

• Check interior walls and ceilings for signs of water damage. If you notice any, snow and ice melt may be seeping in through leaks in the roof.
• Look for animal nests in roof vents, soffits, and fascia. Have them safely removed to prevent damage, as well as the mess and potential health risks posed by the animal waste.
• Remove moss, roof algae, tree branches, and any other debris. These can trap moisture on your roof, lead to shingle degradation, and more serious issues over time.
• Beware of mold and mildew growth. These can lead to harmful bacteria and pose health risks to you and your family. Contact Armor’s roofing professionals ASAP for safe removal.
• Inspect the roofing materials for obvious damage. Look for loose, curling, or broken shingles, as well as loose or broken metal flashing. If you notice any of these issues, schedule a free inspection with Armor to assess the situation and make recommendations.
• Check for cracked caulking and repair as necessary. If you have a chimney, also look for deteriorating caulking and mortar around the exterior joints.
• Clear debris from gutters and downspouts, checking for damage along the way. Clogged or broken gutters can cause water to back up onto your roof or siding, leading to degradation and other issues.
• Clean remaining dirt/debris residue from the gutters. This will help prevent rapid buildup and clogs in the coming months. You can use a power washer on the gutters, but do NOT use it on the roof as it can remove shingle granules, decreasing the effectiveness and lifespan of the roofing system.

Siding Maintenance Checklist

• Again, look for interior water damage. Melting snow and ice can also sneak in through leaks in your siding.
• Inspect the exterior for leaks and other damage. Schedule professional inspection and repair ASAP to ensure your home is protected ahead of storm season.
• While inspecting, pay close attention to window and door frames. Seal any small gaps or seams with caulk to prevent moisture from seeping in. This will also help prevent unwanted heat exchange, which will decrease HVAC efficiency and increase power bills.
• Check foundation vent screens for damage and pests. Clogs and other issues are easy to go unnoticed, and they cause a negative impact on your home’s overall comfort and energy efficiency.
• Clean your siding. Be sure to use a soft, gentle brush or cleaning cloth so you don’t scratch or otherwise harm the surface.

Ensure Your Home is Protected with the Experts at Armor

While we love to see the signs of winter melt away, the excess moisture of the season change can create inconvenient and costly problems for faulty exteriors. Use these spring roofing and siding maintenance tips to help ensure a smooth transition and a safe, worry-free summer and fall.

Armor Construction has over 70 years of combined experience in the residential and commercial exteriors industry. We take pride in our work, focusing on customer service and satisfaction with every project we put our name on. Rely on our experts for all your roofing, siding, gutter system, and storm damage repair needs.

Contact us today to schedule a free inspection and learn more.