Spring is here! The days are getting longer, the weather is warming up, and many homeowners are eager to dive into spring cleaning projects that refresh and revive their living spaces. While it’s common to focus on decluttering closets, deep-cleaning basements, or sprucing up the yard, there’s one key area that shouldn’t be overlooked: your roof.
After months of battling harsh winter elements–like snow, ice, and wind–your roof may be showing signs of wear and tear that aren’t immediately visible from the ground. Giving your roof a little extra attention this spring not only helps extend its lifespan but also prevents minor issues from turning into costly repairs down the line.
To help you get started, we've put together a few spring cleaning tips for maintaining your roof and ensuring it’s in top shape for the seasons ahead.
5 Tips to Maintain Your Roof
Regular cleaning and upkeep are key to extending the lifespan of your roof and preventing small problems from turning into major repairs. Here’s a checklist for keeping your roof in great condition throughout the year:
1. Inspect Your Roof
Your roof may have weathered the winter, but that doesn’t mean it’s in the clear. Most roofing experts recommend a thorough inspection twice a year–once in the fall to prepare for winter storms, and once in the spring to assess any damage that may have occurred during the colder months. Spring is the perfect time to give your roof a checkup before the intense sun, rain, wind, and hail of summer roll in.
Winter can leave behind hidden problems, like accumulated debris or fallen branches, which may clog gutters and trap moisture against your roof, increasing the risk of mold, mildew, or rot. Freezing and thawing cycles may have also caused small cracks or loosened shingles, making your roof more vulnerable to leaks.
A spring inspection isn’t just about cleaning off debris—it’s about catching potential issues early, before they become costly repairs. It's your chance to spot and fix minor wear and tear while the weather is mild, so your roof is fully prepared for whatever summer has in store.
And if climbing up a ladder isn’t your idea of spring fun, no worries. Many professional roofing contractors offer inspection and cleaning services, giving you peace of mind without ever leaving the ground.
2. Remove Leaves and Debris
Start by clearing any leaves, branches, or debris that may have accumulated over the winter months. If it’s dry, a leaf blower can help you clear the debris quickly. For wet leaves or small twigs, a brush broom might be needed to remove everything.
3. Clean Out Your Gutters
Your gutters play a crucial role in channeling rainwater and melting snow away from your roof. When they’re clogged with leaves and debris, they can’t do their job properly, which could lead to water damage. Use a gutter vacuum, leaf blower, or garden hose to clear the gutters. For a longer-term solution, consider installing gutter guards to reduce the amount of cleaning needed.
4. Trim Back Trees or Shrubs
Check for any trees or shrubs that are too close to your roof. Branches and overgrown plants can drop debris onto your roof, and in severe storms, heavy branches can damage your roof. Prune back any growth, making sure to create a buffer between the plants and your roofline. If you’re dealing with large trees, consider hiring an arborist to handle the trimming safely.
5. Gently Hose Down the Roof
After removing larger debris, hose down your roof to wash away dirt. A garden hose should work fine for most roofs, but a sponge mop may be helpful for stubborn spots that need extra attention. Be cautious when cleaning, as certain roof materials (like asphalt shingles) can be sensitive to pressure. Always avoid using a pressure washer, as the force can cause damage, especially to roofing surfaces with granules or textures.
Once your roof is clean, do a final visual inspection for any signs of damage. Look for missing, cracked, or loose shingles or tiles, as well as any signs of wear around flashing, vents, chimneys, or skylights. These areas are often more susceptible to leaks, so it’s important to ensure everything is in place and functioning as it should.
By taking these simple steps every spring, you’ll help your roof stay in top shape.
How to Maintain Your DECRA Metal Roof
While no roof is entirely maintenance-free, homeowners with metal roofs benefit from minimal upkeep due to the durability of stone-coated metal. For those with a DECRA Metal Roof, we’ve put together a cleaning checklist to help maintain your roof’s performance and appearance.
Before you begin cleaning your DECRA Metal Roof, please keep the following guidelines in mind:
- Avoid using water pressure above 500 psi. Water should only be used for rinsing, not as the primary method for removing dirt, algae, mildew, lichen, or moss.
- Never forcefully remove stone-coated granules. This can damage the roof’s surface.
- Do not use water or cleaning solutions exceeding 160°F. High temperatures can harm the roofing material.
- Follow manufacturer instructions carefully for any cleaning products you use on your DECRA roof.
Below is a list of cleaning products compatible with DECRA roofing (this is not a comprehensive list, but these are known to work well):
- Bayer Advanced 2-in-1 Moss & Algae Killer
- Clenz-O2-Roof by Greenflow USA
- Spray & Forget Roof Cleaner Concentrate
- Wash Safe Roof Wash
- Wet & Forget Outdoor
Avoid copper or iron-based products for cleaning or treating your DECRA Metal Roof. While the roof is rust-resistant, copper-based products can cause a reaction with the metal, and iron-based cleaners can stain the roof.
Contact DECRA Metal Roofing
If you have any questions about cleaning your DECRA Metal Roof or are considering switching to DECRA’s low-maintenance roofing this spring, contact us today. Our team is here to guide you through the process and answer any questions you have. Getting ahead of the busy season ensures your roof is prepared for whatever comes next. Contact DECRA to learn more about our roofing profiles, get expert advice on roof care, or request a sample.
