There’s nothing quite like summer in Vancouver. The rain dries up, the sun shines for days on end and evenings can be spent watching the sun set over the ocean.
The break in the rain also gives people a chance to tackle some of the outdoor maintenance jobs that are tough to do during Vancouver winters, especially roof maintenance. Summer is a great time to make sure your roof hasn’t suffered too much damage during the winter and that it is in good shape and ready to go for another year.
There are a few things a home owner can do to prolong the life of a roof, and regular summer roof maintenance will go a long way in saving time and money down the road by prolonging the life of your roof.
Take a good look.
The first step to roof maintenance is knowing the signs of roof damage. Take a walk around the house to see if you can notice any missing shingles, sagging sections or exterior damage. Then thoroughly check things out from the inside of the house and look for any water marks, mold, or bubbling paint in the ceiling. Any of these signs can point to damage in the roof and should be addressed.
Keep it clean.
One of the great benefits to having such a long and rainy winter in Vancouver is that it makes it an ideal location for plants to grow and thrive, especially moss. Moss can grow almost anywhere and if left unchecked, it can become problematic for a roof because it can cause moisture damage and create potential spots for rot to occur.
You can remove moss with a pressure washer or a brush, but this job has its dangers so you might want to consider hiring a professional. (As with any roofing maintenance, if you are attempting to climb onto your roof, it is advised to take precautions or hire a professional). If you are entirely fed up with having to battle moss every year, another option is to change the material of your roof. Metal roofs are especially moss resistant and require less roof maintenance.
Don’t forget the gutters.
Clean gutters are an important component in regular roof maintenance and summer is a great time to clean them out and make sure they are in proper running order. You’ll be able to tell after a rainfall if your gutters are blocked up, but even if it seems like they are doing their job, it is still a good idea to clean them thoroughly at least once a year. Again, roof maintenance, including the gutters, will end up saving you money and time in the long run.
Prepare to repair.
If a roof has been damaged over the winter months, the summer is the perfect time to do any small or large scale repairs, or to replace your roof entirely. Every roof will need replacing eventually, experts agree that most roofs last 20-25 years, so if the time has finally come, the summer is the perfect time to undertake repairs. Of course, and as mentioned earlier, major roof repairs require the help of a roofing professional and it is not recommended to undertake large scale roofing projects on your own. Safety should always come first.
If you have any questions about your roof or if you need roof repairs, feel free to give us a call at Taves Roofing. And in the meantime, enjoy the beautiful Vancouver summer weather!