When we transition from winter to spring in Minnesota, it’s a welcome change from the low temperatures and hefty amount of snow and ice we experience each year. When winter winds down, too many homeowners overlook an essential aspect of home maintenance: preparing their roof and gutters for the big thaw.
Getting your home ready for the change of seasons can help you bypass costly moisture damage from melting snow and ice. Preventing moisture issues saves you time and money, so let’s look at how to do that most effectively.
How to Protect Your Roof from Unwanted Leaks as Snow and Ice Melt
The change in seasons from winter to spring can lead to increased water flow, which if not correctly channeled, may create leaks and compromise your home’s structural integrity. Safeguard your home from moisture damage by ensuring your roof and gutters are ready for spring.
Inspect Your Roof Thoroughly—from the Safety of the Ground
Each spring, fall, and after major storms, grab a pair of binoculars and step across the street so you can get a good look at your roofing system without the need to climb a ladder or get on your roof! Look for missing or damaged roof shingles. Check the flashing around your chimney, vent pipes, and skylights. If you see sagging, warping, or other signs of moisture damage, it’s important to call a pro roofer promptly so they can repair your roof.
Hire a Roofing Contractor for a Pro Inspection
You may be a DIY enthusiast, and that’s great, until safety is an issue. Realize roof maintenance can be hazardous. That’s why it’s important to hire a roofing contractor to do a professional inspection of your roof. They have the safety equipment and experience necessary to assess your roof thoroughly and safely.
Repair Any Roof Damage
The roofing contractor you hire to do an inspection will let you know if repairs are needed. Problems such as missing shingles, leaky seals, and damaged flashing should be repaired and resolved. Have a professional roofer perform the needed repairs, and ask them for advice on how to protect your roof from future damage.
Assess Attic Insulation
Ice dams can cause your roof to age faster, so it’s important to do all you can to avoid them. Ensure your attic has adequate insulation so it can help maintain a uniform roof temperature and minimize the possibility of ice dams. Inspect your attic insulation and if more is needed, or if you’re due to update insulation, realize it’s a worthwhile investment that provides a great return.
Ensure Ventilation Is Adequate
Make sure your attic vents are functioning properly. Ask a roofing contractor to assess your ventilation to ensure you have enough to prevent wear and tear on your roof.
Deal with Algae Growth
The immense amount of moisture from Minnesota’s snow and ice can lead to moss and algae growth on your roof. This unsightly (and unwelcome!) growth hinders your home’s curb appeal and can cause roof shingles to age faster. Hire a pro to remove it and to treat your roof to minimize the possibility the algae might return. It’s not smart to climb on your roof and try to treat this issue yourself. Foot traffic is bad for your shingles, and it’s not safe to work on your roof like the pros do, so consider leaving this job to a contractor.
Tips on Getting Gutters Ready for Spring
Clean Your Gutters
Clogged gutters create water pooling around the perimeter of your home, which can cause flooding and—if left unaddressed—create structural damage to your home. If you aren’t comfortable taking the risk of climbing a ladder and scooping out the debris from inside your gutters, hire a pro to do it for you!
Have Gutter Guards Installed
Once you experience the tedious job of cleaning out your gutters, you’ll likely be motivated to find a simpler way to ensure they function properly without the need for you to risk climbing a ladder and doing the work yourself. Enter gutter guards! These handy additions to your gutters are affixed to the gutter’s opening, and they brilliantly allow water to flow into your drainage system while keeping debris out!
Inspect Gutters for Damage
Are your gutters sagging? If they have seams in them, are there spots that leak between seams? Do you see any cracks, holes, or rust in your gutters? Are they securely fastened to your home? Does your current drainage system show signs of wear and tear? What about your downspouts? Are they free from obstructions and effectively channeling water away from your home’s foundation?
Repair Any Gutter Issues
Gutters may be small, but they have a big job, so don’t underestimate the importance of attending to any repairs they need. If you spot gutter or downspout issues, contact a reputable contractor and have them repaired or replaced. Taking good care of your gutters is one of the best ways to prepare for spring rains and minimize the possibility of water damage.
Enjoy the Stunning Curb Appeal and Dependable Durability of a New Roof
Don’t risk the costly problems created by roof leaks and gutter issues. Get the new roof you’ve been dreaming of, along with great functioning gutters you can rely on — installed by our experienced team.
At Lutgen Companies, we are a GAF Master Elite Contractor. Only 2% of companies in America are awarded that status. We’ve served over 10,000 homeowners in NW Minneapolis, Waite Park, and St. Cloud, MN, since 1983. Our hands-on approach to selecting all materials adds a trustworthy, personalized touch to the remodeling process. In fact, we test most products on our own houses before recommending them to others, demonstrating our commitment to firsthand experience and quality assurance. Learn more about how our roofing services can increase your home’s curb appeal and value.
