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Spring Cleaning Your Roof: What do you need to do to clean your roof?

What do you need to do to clean your roof?

It’s not exactly Spring, but there’s no better time for Spring cleaning than at the start of a new year, and it’s important to give your roof the attention it deserves. Neglecting cleaning your roof can result in needing more costly repairs later on. We have put together a checklist of what to do to maintain a clean and clear roof. You can always hire professionals to do a once-over clean for you, but if you would prefer to try it yourself then here are the essential steps for a thorough roof spring cleaning: 

1. Check for any signs of leaks

To find potential leaks, look for musty smells, water stains, or bulging patches on the walls. You can test for leaks by simulating them with water. Address any issues as soon as you can to prevent further, potentially permanent damage. 

2. Remove dirt and debris

Remove any debris that has collected on your roof, such as leaves and twigs from your roof’s shingles, to prevent the growth of mould and mildew. You can use your hands or you could use a leaf blower, rake, or hire professionals to do a thorough cleaning. 

3. Clear the area around your roof

Cut away any tree branches that may be causing damage to your roof and clear the area surrounding your roof enough so that it will not need to be done again until the next spring clean! Always prioritize safety when working on your roof and have someone with you when working on a ladder if you aren’t hiring professionals. 

4. Don’t forget to clean your gutters

Although it may not be a particularly fun task, it is necessary to remove leaves and debris to prevent water damage to your house. Clogged gutters can cause more issues in the long run that would be a huge expense to get fixed, so it is best to rather prevent these potential issues by keeping the gutters clear.

5. Fight the mold

If you see mold growing anywhere on your roof, don’t just leave it there. Spray a mixture of equal parts water and bleach on affected areas of your roof and after an hour, rinse it off with a hose pipe. Mold growth isn’t only aesthetically unpleasant, but it can cause structural damage to your roof while also posing a problem for the health of those living in your home. You should, however, avoid using power washers on your roof to prevent damage to the shingles. 

6. Inspect your shingles

Inspect your roof for any loose or damaged shingles caused by harsh weather conditions. We know the wind can get pretty intense in Cape Town which can cause damage to your roof. If you do find any loose shingles, nail them back to prevent water from entering which can cause roof leaks and the growth of mold. 

7. Inspect the flashing and chimney on your roof

Inspect your roof’s flashing for cracks, warping, or rust, especially around chimneys and vents and attend to these issues ASAP to prevent water and bug infiltration. Make sure to also check your chimney for any necessary maintenance.

Conclusion

Your roof should be cleaned at least once a year, if not more often. This is really important to prevent future, more costly and potentially permanent damage. If you are still asking yourself “what do you need to do to clean your roof?”, or your don’t want to DIY, it might be beneficial to look for professionals to come in and do it for you. Our team at Morgner Roofing is happy to help, you can just give us a call and we can make it happen.

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What do you need to do to clean your roof?