In Minnesota, winter is the harshest season for roofs. A combination of extreme cold temperatures, snowfall, and ice build-up can cause damage to all types of roofing materials, allowing for leaks and interior water damage to follow. When spring comes, the air grows warmer, melting ice and snow, but new hazards to roofs also arrive, including torrential rainstorms, mold growth, and pest infestations.
Do you want to make sure the roof of your Twin Cities area home is ready for spring before winter ends? Continue reading to learn more about how you can prepare your roof for the next season.
A Complete Guide to Spring Roof Preparation in the Twin Cities
In late March or early April, when winter is finally on its way out, the time has come to start getting your roof ready for spring. The first step is to inspect for winter roof damage, a process that can begin on the inside. Go up into your attic with a flashlight and carefully inspect for signs of leaks in your roof. In the case of a severe leak, you might actually see water dripping down into your attic. Other signs of a leak can include water stains, dampened insulation, and visible mold growth. Mark any signs of leaks and implement temporary solutions if needed, such as plugging a hole or placing a bucket to catch dripping water, before proceeding with repairs.
If you don’t find any signs of a leaking roof in your attic, that’s a good thing – but it doesn’t mean that your roof wasn’t damaged over the course of the winter. Your next step should be to inspect the roof of your Twin Cities home for any signs of winter damage. Roof shingles that have been warped have likely suffered water damage, possibly as a result of ice dams. You may even notice roof shingles that are severely damaged or entirely missing, something that can happen as a result of both the freeze-thaw cycle and strong winter winds. Such damage allows for leaks to occur, resulting in long-term issues such as wood rot, mold growth, and pest infestation.
You may not be keen on getting up on a ladder to inspect your roof closely. In that case, you should hire a local roofing company in the Twin Cities metro to perform a roof inspection for you. A professional roof inspection will identify all issues with your roof, from missing shingles to damaged flashing around chimneys and vents. Based on this inspection, your roofing contractor can recommend whether spot roof repairs will be enough to get your roof back in good shape or you’ll need a complete roof replacement in the near future.
Beyond inspecting for and repairing damage, there are a few other steps you can take to make sure your roof is ready for spring. It’s always a good idea to clean out your gutters toward the end of winter. Debris such as leaves and twigs often accumulate in gutters as the snow melts, which can lead to them getting clogged. With spring bringing multiple rounds of rainstorms to the Twin Cities metro, you’ll need your gutters and downspouts unobstructed and working their hardest. In order to prevent your gutters from getting clogged again in spring, it’s a good idea to trim back any tree branches that overhang your roof.
Wet roofs, particularly those that are often shaded, are vulnerable to mold and algae growth during spring. If you notice areas of your roof where water seems to pool or have seen other signs of algae and mold growing, it’s best to take corrective measures before temperatures rise in late spring. Consider hiring a professional roof cleaner to thoroughly clean your roof, removing any mold or algae that has begun to grow, along with other debris left behind by snowmelt.
Pest infestations are another issue that our roofs face during spring time. If your roof was damaged in winter, pests like rodents and spiders may be able to get inside and nest in your attic. Meanwhile, mosquitoes commonly lay their eggs in clogged gutters, which can lead to these pests swarming your yard throughout spring and summer. To keep your home pest-free, it would be wise to contact a pest control company in the Twin Cities to inspect and treat your home.
Experienced Roofing Company in the Twin Cities
If you need some help to get your roof ready for spring, Arko Exteriors is ready to provide any services you need. Give us a call today to schedule roofing services in the Twin Cities metro area!
