Having a roof in mint condition doesn't end with a high-quality installation—homeowners should remain diligent and be performing regular maintenance checks to keep it in working order and get on top of any necessary repairs straight away.
Sharp Exteriors is a trusted exterior remodeling company in the Twin Cities that has been providing thorough and top-tier roofing services since 2011. We have over 40 years of combined experience, an A+ from the BBB, and countless awards that all attest to the high-standards we have for our workmanship and installations.
When our valued customers ask us about ways they can maintain their durable roof replacements, Sharp Exteriors gives the following tips for roof upkeep throughout the Minnesota seasons.
Fall
Autumn is an essential time for roof maintenance, as you'll want to get yours ready and prepared for the bitter cold winter months of Minnesota. After the last of the leaves have fallen, make sure your gutters are completely cleared out of any foliage or debris, along with the top of your roof. If leaves or dirt don't get cleared away from your roof, you'll run the risk of moisture getting trapped underneath, leading to problems with mold and mildew.
While you're cleaning off your roof, make sure your chimney is capped, so that the upcoming snowfall won't be able to enter your house later on in the year.
Fall is also the perfect season to have professional tree trimmers clear away any boughs or branches that are extending over the top of your roof. When these branches become heavy with snow during the winter, they could collapse and greatly damage your roof, no matter what roofing type you have.
Winter
When winter starts moving in, your roof maintenance should be focused around insulation and proper ventilation. Go into your attic and double check that your insulation reaches all the way to the vents in the eaves, ensuring your home stays cozy all winter long.
One mistake some homeowners make in the winter is sealing off their attic vents, believing this will help insulate the interior. What this actually does is stop your roofing system from being able to properly ventilate itself, which is a necessary function, even in the colder months. By sealing your attic vents, you increase your chances of finding mold later on.
Throughout December, January, and February, continually clear off snow as needed from your roof to prevent the formation of ice dams, which can damage your roofing materials and potentially back up water run off into the interior of your home.
Spring
Spring is the perfect time for a roof inspection, after your roof has endured some of the harshest weather conditions of the Minnesota year. If you inspect your own roof, look for damage from the snowy winter months like:
- Mold or Mildew
- Water Leaks
- Missing or Loose Shingles
Your attic will also need to be checked come springtime, to ensure no water damage was done over the winter. Look for water stains on your walls or signs of mold growth. With summer right around the corner, the heat of the sun will create the perfect environment for that mold to spread and begin affecting the structure of your home if left untreated.
Additionally, if it feels too warm in your attic, that's an indicator that you may need a professional to assess that your roof is properly ventilating itself before the sunny summer days begin.
As an experienced and reliable roofing company, Sharp Exteriors knows exactly what to look for during a roof inspection, and will comb over each part of your entire roofing system including the attic in order to properly assess any repairs or maintenance it may need.
Summer
After performing regular maintenance throughout most of the year, summer should be a time to rest and enjoy the beautiful Minnesota weather rather than worrying about upkeep. There are still some things for homeowners to do, though, such as:
- Chimney Flashing: Take a look at your chimney, and make sure the flashing is still tightly sealed around the brick. If it's loose, this will create an entryway for pests or debris to enter your home. Additionally, any chimney reparations, such as mortar replacement, can be done during this time.
- Roof Cleaning: Summertime is optimal for cleaning and washing your roof, which can be done by yourself or a professional. You can clean off any debris by hand or with a leaf blower before using a low pressure sprayer to gently clean away any remaining algae or vegetation growth off you roof.
If you need a durable new roof or want to keep your existing one in top condition, Sharp Exteriors is the team to call. Get in touch with us today for a free estimate on any of our roofing services, and find out more about the endless ways we can keep you and your home protected!
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