Roofing Maintenance Checklist for All Seasons

Whether it’s winter or summer, routine roof maintenance helps protect your home from costly water damage. Check the enclaves, gutters, chimneys and convergence points for signs of leaks or missing shingles.

Keeping the area free from debris also prevents rot and moisture-related issues. Ensure gutters are clear of leaves, sticks and acorns.

Spring

The winter freeze and thaw has been tough on hardscaping, and it’s important to assess the condition of your property’s asphalt and concrete. Repainting or resealing these outdoor surfaces can help prevent damage from the elements and extend their lifespans.

Also check to make sure that all light bulbs are working and replace any burned out ones. Be sure to clear the gutters and remove any buildup of snow or debris. This will keep water flowing and reduce the likelihood of leaks.

In Colorado, spring inspections can help identify any potential roof damage caused by the ice and snow of the previous season. It is also an ideal time to inspect the roof and ensure that all shingles are intact and undamaged. Additionally, it is a good idea to check for signs of ice dams and other problems that are easy to address before the upcoming hail season.

Summer

When summer arrives, it’s easy to get distracted by cottage weekends, backyard barbecues and beach or pool days. Home maintenance and repairs often fall to the bottom of your weekend to-do list. But knocking these items off early in the season can save you a lot of headaches and extra costs down the road.

For exterior property maintenance, the warm weather brings an opportunity to freshen up your deck boards and stain the fence. It’s also a good time to inspect your grading, so that water runs away from the house rather than toward it.

Other outdoor summer maintenance tasks include testing your smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detector and home timers. It’s a great time to also clean baseboards, which are often neglected and can be very dusty and dirty. You can make these tasks a regular part of your CMMS (computerized maintenance management system) schedule to ensure you don’t forget them. You can learn more about CMMS software here.

Fall

In addition to checking for sagging, loose or missing shingles and other apparent problems, this is also the ideal time of year to inspect the gutter system. Keeping them clear prevents clogs, which can lead to water damage around the edges of the roof.

It’s also a good idea to check for signs of moss or algae growth. These can be difficult to spot and should be treated with the appropriate roof cleaners to avoid deterioration of the shingles.

If there are any stairs, crossovers or platforms on the roof, they should be inspected to ensure that they are auxiliary sound, free from disintegration or rust and that the proper safety signage is posted. Neglecting these issues can create a hazardous and risky environment for roofing maintenance professionals in the future. The same goes for pipes and equipment, especially those that carry electrical or destructive chemicals or extremely hot hardware. Make sure that these are in good condition and replace any damaged materials as needed.

Winter

Fall and winter are the most demanding seasons in terms of residential roofing maintenance. Make sure your attic is insulated to prevent heat loss and to reduce your energy bills, and that you have clear access to ridge and eave vents. Remove debris from gutters, especially leaves (which are a leading cause of ice dam formation), and be sure the area around chimneys is clear.

You should also take a ladder up to your roof to check for signs of deterioration or damage, especially in areas that carry heavy loads such as the support beams and trusses. Look for water stains or sagging.

It is also a good idea to prune trees and shrubs that hang over your roof or walkways in case they become damaged by the harsh winter weather. Be sure to remove any fallen branches from the shingles, and that caulking around doors and windows is in good condition to reduce drafts and help keep your heating bill low.