Periodic building maintenance allows for business operations to run unimpeded throughout the workday. After the harsh winter passes to make way for spring, most building maintenance focuses on the outdoor landscape and cleaning up the property. Often people forget to look upwards toward the roof where the most damage has occurred.
Not only should people worry about what problems winter weather has caused to the roof, they should also be aware of the spring challenges that must be faced. Understanding these challenges and tackling them early on can prevent further damage from occurring that can put a strain on the building maintenance budget.
Common Roof Problems In The Spring
Ice Damming
Ice damming occurs when gutters and downspouts are filled with debris such as rotting leaves, small branches and trash blown about by the wind. This debris creates clogs, forcing water to pool and overflow over the gutter system. Rain and melting snow refreezes during the changing winter and spring temperatures. When the ice dams become large enough to reach the shingles and begin to thaw from the rising spring temperatures, water can get underneath the shingles. This leads to rotting wood and leaks inside the building.
To prevent ice dams, cleaning out the gutters and downspouts in the fall stops the buildup of debris. Inspect the gutter system in the spring to clear out any more debris and to tighten loose bolts and check gutter hangers that could make the gutter fall from the side of the building.
Pest Infestations
Many animals will make homes there in the winter to escape from the freezing temperatures. In the spring, the animals and birds will nest and raise young. It can be difficult and dangerous to remove the animals. Hire a professional to ensure all animals are relocated out of the building. Then have the fascia and soffit repaired. There can be many spots on roofs that animals can get into even if we do not see them ourselves, a good inspection of possible areas insects or animals can make a home and cause damage to the building should be repaired.
Spring Weather
Also take note of black granules in the gutter or on the ground. These granules are from the shingles as they protect the roof from the ultraviolet light from the sun. When the granules are missing, the shingles can begin to fail. Checking the age of the roof will help to determine if the shingles need replaced.
Take Care Of Spring Challenges To Your Roof
It is simple to lose track of the time and put off spring roof maintenance until the summer. Yet those three months of neglect can lead to major repair costs. Avoid downtime to business operations by addressing these spring challenges quickly.