getting ready for spring
April 22, 2025
From gunked up gutters to attic mould, it’s time to tackle seasonal roofing maintenance
Spring is here, exposing grit and grime that has collected over the winter on both commercial and residential buildings and rooftops.
It’s also the time of year when roofing issues and outright emergencies are most likely to arise. Often, building damage that takes place over the winter will go unseen as the cold freezes leaks, but once that spring thaw hits, it can uncover flaws and make them even worse.
Well, we say spring thaw, but every Cana dian knows there’s a good chance it could be more like a cycle of thaw, snow, freeze, thaw again.
Take advantage of those moments of warmer weather to clean your roof and, simultaneously, inspect it for any fallibilities that may have arisen or worsened over the winter. Acting swiftly can stop further damage to the layers of your roofing system and prevent water from having structural impacts throughout the building.
First, understand your climate
While spring typically marks a rapid change in weather and temperature from one corner of the country to the next, it doesn’t mean that those shifts will happen the exact same way.
Before starting your spring cleaning and assessment, take a moment to check the weather. Knowing what elements you might be facing will help in planning your maintenance approach efficiently. If repairs are needed, it will also provide useful information for selecting appropriate roofing materials for your climate.
From the top, with an inspection!
Begin your spring cleaning by scoping out your roof’s exteriors with your feet firmly on the ground. Keep an eye out for loose and damaged shingles, mould and algae buildups, fallen branches, and any lingering ice dams that could lead to water pooling, which causes the most lasting structural damage.
For the same reason, make sure to keep an eye out for new nests or pests that may have made their home in yours, creating a damming effect in gutters and troughs.
Next, inspect the interiors of your roof from the attic or building crawlspace. Look for wet or damaged insulation, rotted wood, and mould and mildew. These can all signal seepages and other issues that may need to be addressed in your roof.
If your initial assessments turn up concerns needing closer inspection, think about getting on the rooftop. Take pictures of the problem areas so you don’t have to do this more precarious evaluation more than once.
You may discover that your roof will need to be replaced in the near future. If so, consider making arrangements for the upcoming summer or fall.
Give water an escape route
After your inspection, it’s time to get to work. Start by clearing out larger debris that may have built up in gutters and spouts during winter weather events.
Next, consider giving your roof and exterior walls a soft wash. If you can access a pressure washer, use it to blast away the first layer of scum. Follow up by scraping away tough stains with a scraper, and scrub with appropriate cleaning products.
This is also your opportunity to prepare for seasonal rainstorms. Take time to trim trees and clear fallen detritus on your property that may pose a threat during heavy precipitation events or windstorms.
Call a roofing expert to help with spring cleaning and repairs
They say to hope for the best and plan for the worst. Fluctuations in spring weather can make spring roofing maintenance a breeze, or make the task more precarious.
Still, this transitional season is the perfect time of year to complete exterior work on your property, and to plan more extensive work for the summer and fall.
When the time comes, there’s no shame in calling the pros for assistance with roofing inspections, cleaning and repairs. They will have the equipment and the know-how to get the job done safely and efficiently, so you can find better ways to enjoy the warmer weather.