Minnesota is notable for its four distinct seasons. In the Upper Midwest, with a classic continental climate, the state often has frigid, snowy winters and hot, humid summers. The drastic changes in weather conditions mean that residents need to prepare their homes for each upcoming season.
One of the most important areas of preparation is your home’s roof. The roof is your home’s first defense against adverse weather conditions like rainstorms, snow, or hail. Your roof even plays an essential role in your household’s ventilation and indoor temperature regulation. Since Minnesota’s seasons vary widely, it can be easy for essential roof care to become lost in the shuffle. A look at seasonal roof maintenance steps can guide you in keeping your roof in excellent condition throughout the year.
Seasonal Roof Care Tips for the Spring
Springtime is often an ideal period for roof care due to the milder temperatures and gradual increase in daytime hours. Roof care tips for spring include cleaning the gutters, conducting inspections, and trimming overhanging branches and nearby landscaping.
Inspect for Winter Damage
Consider scheduling an inspection to check for vulnerable areas or damage after any harsh winter season. Common signs of damage include loose shingles, missing tiles, or structural wear. Another element of your roof that can incur damage over the winter is the flashing around chimneys, skylights, and vents. Since some problems are difficult to see from ground level, it is usually beneficial to enlist professional hard-to-reach areas. Finally, always watch for signs of roofing damage that can show up indoors in the form of ceiling leaks.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters and downspouts play a crucial role in the overall health of your roof. These structures comprise a drainage system that diverts excess water from your home. Any clogs or obstructions within gutters may allow moisture to accumulate and ultimately seep into your home, resulting in water damage. During spring maintenance, clean up any debris left over from winter, such as leaves, twigs, or other materials.
Trim Overhanging Branches
Trees budding during the spring can result in limbs or branches that overhang your roof. These limbs can scrape shingles and cause damage. Overhanging branches also enable pests to access your roof easily.
Seasonal Roof Care Tips for Summer
As summer heats up, many homeowners focus on indoor comfort, such as the state of their air conditioning systems. However, it is important to uphold the quality of your roof as well. Summer roof maintenance tasks may include removing moss or algae, checking insulation, and preventing pests or similar seasonal issues.
Ensure Proper Attic Ventilation
Ventilation is vital to the overall condition of your roof. Without proper airflow, heat and moisture can accumulate in the attic and damage your roofing structure. A well-ventilated roof also regulates temperature and humidity in the rest of your home. Ask a professional to review your attic ventilation system to ensure proper functioning.
During this evaluation, the roofer will inspect vents along your roof’s eaves, soffits, and ridge and remove any obstructions or blockages to ensure sufficient airflow. If necessary, they may install additional ventilation sources, such as a soffit vent or a gable vent, to improve airflow. Finally, the roofer will check that your current insulation works with the ventilation system to control the temperature of your attic.
Check for Moss and Algae
Summer humidity can lead to an upsurge of moss or algae growth. Not only does moss negatively impact curb appeal, but these biological contaminants can also grow under shingles and cause them to lift. Moisture within mold and algae can also cause rotting or discoloration. A professional can remove moss or algae buildup without using harsh chemicals that damage your roof or contaminate your local environment.
Prevent Pest Infestation
Unwanted critters may attempt to take refuge in your roof or attic during the summer. Pests that become stowaways during the summer include insects like wasps as well as rodents or even small birds. If you see any evidence like holes or disturbed areas within the attic, contact a professional pest removal team, and then contact your local roofer to seal entry points.
Seasonal Roof Care Tips for Fall
Fall is the primary season for home maintenance in Minnesota. By conducting home maintenance sessions in the fall, you can troubleshoot any problems well before the harsh winter. Seasonal roof care for fall may include your annual checkup, chimney inspections, and vent preparation or care.
Schedule Your Fall Maintenance Checkup
Many homeowners schedule their annual roofing checkups during the fall. While you may have had a roof inspection the previous spring, the fall checkup ensures that your roof is robust and sturdy enough to handle any upcoming winter storms. Fall checkups are the perfect time to repair holes, tears, cracks, or other weakened areas that cannot withstand snow.
Prepare for Falling Leaves
Falling autumn leaves can accumulate in your gutters or downspouts during this time. Regularly remove dead leaves, twigs, or branches from your roof’s drainage system to prevent water backup or roof damage.
Inspect the Chimney
Fall is the ideal season to check the chimney before using it during the cold winter. Allow a professional to verify that the flashing, seals, and masonry are in good condition. Otherwise, water leaks and drafts can seep in through these vulnerable areas. A roofer can also install a chimney cap to stop unwanted elements like snow and debris from entering your house.
Never Seal the Vents
While you may feel tempted to seal your attic to prevent cold air from entering your house, obstructing vents can inhibit airflow. This is detrimental to your home’s temperature regulation. If you have concerns about drafts, ask a roofer to inspect your vents instead.
Seasonal Roof Care Tips for the Winter
While the thought of blustery winds and snowstorms may be intimidating, there are steps you can take to reduce the impact of winter weather on your roof. Seasonal roof care for winter includes preventing ice dams, safely removing snow buildup, and checking for any sagging areas or warning signs throughout the colder months.
Prevent Ice Dams
Ice dams occur when melted snow refreezes near your roof edges. This ice accumulation can cause both structural and moisture damage. When the ice finally melts at the end of winter, the runoff can invade your attic. Fortunately, a roofer can install heat cables or roof vents to stop the formation of ice dams. Proper insulation can also help prevent ice dams by keeping your attic at a stable temperature, preventing the melting and refreezing that causes them.
Check for Sagging Spots
Look for sagging spots on your ceiling or roof after excessive snowfall. Drooping areas of your roof can indicate structural problems that a roofer should address before they escalate into sudden emergencies.
Remove Snow Buildup
Experts recommend removing excess snow from shingles and eaves following any major storm. According to the National Weather Service, snow can weigh up to 30 pounds per cubic foot. This excess weight can cause structural damage, and any melted snow can increase the chance of ice dams. Contact a professional who can remove the snow without damaging your shingles.
Get Help Today
At Schmidt Roofing, we have served the residents of Burnsville, MN and surrounding areas for over 30 years. We install, maintain, and repair roofs. We can also help with your siding, gutter, and storm damage needs. Additionally, we offer snow removal, insulation, and ventilation services.
Contact Schmidt Roofing today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced team members.
