Neatly tied-up rubbish bags. Old whitegoods and appliances. A well-worn sofa or two.
All of these things and more popping up roadsides means just one thing: it’s time for your annual spring cleaning.
If you’re the type who’s built up a huge collection of old, broken or unwanted stuff, spring cleaning can leave you almost feeling like you’re living in a completely different home.
But it’s not just your house that could do with a good clean. Our roof plumbers share their top tips for spring cleaning your roof and gutters, too.
Why roof cleaning matters
Roof cleaning is about more than just retrieving lost tennis balls and pulling off twigs. It’s also about ensuring your roof is free of:
- Dirt and debris
- Algae and moss
- Mould and mildew
- Lichen and fungi
While metal roofing is much less susceptible to these types of damage than tile, it’s not invincible. However, it is a superior roofing material as it is not porous.
Tiles, on the other hand, are, meaning water can be absorbed and therefore the risk of the perfect mould conditions is higher.
The best way to prevent this is by being proactive. Regular roof cleaning protects your roof from damage by nipping these problems in the bud.
Your roof plumber shares their roof cleaning checklist
Trim overhanging branches
We recommend getting your gutters inspected and cleaned at least once a year.
And if you live in an especially rainy or windy area directly underneath tall trees, you might have to make gutter cleaning a regular thing, and not just another spring cleaning task!
If leaves and sticks are a common sight on your roof, we suggest trimming any offending branches.
Strong winds can blow leaves and twigs onto your roof, jamming your gutters and impeding your roof plumbing.
Additionally, trimmed, neat trees can keep rodents and pests away – possums and the like often get onto your roof via nearby branches.
Out of the gutter: don’t forget gutter cleaning!
Your gutters and roof plumbing are particularly important.
Blockages, clogs and wear-and-tear can all impede your gutter’s ability to do its job (ie, get water off your roof).
Without effective guttering, water pools up in parts of your metal roof, which can lead to:
- Leaks
- Mould growth
- Rust & decay
- Overflowing
- Water damage
There are a lot of things that can block your gutters or roof plumbing.
For example, twigs, dirt and debris can stop water from freely flowing in your gutters. In some cases, birds can even build nests in your gutters!
And with the amount of wind and rain your roof puts up with, regular gutter cleaning is a must.
Not sure if you need gutter cleaning? Click here to learn about some common red flags.
Take a look under the hood
Your roof is more than just a barrier that protects you from the elements. In addition to the roof and guttering, there’s also:
- Insulation
- Sarking
- Ventilation
- Flashing
Each has an important role to play in ensure your home isn’t just protected from the elements, but is also clean and comfortable year-round.
In addition to cleaning your roof and gutters, it’s also a good idea to book periodic roof inspections.
A professional roofer doesn’t just look at the metal sheeting – they go deeper, looking at all the stuff under the hood.
This allows them to identify and fix problems with these crucial layers and fixtures, ensuring your continuing comfort.
Get a professional roof plumber
Finally, make sure you have a professional roof plumber on your side.
Any sort of roof maintenance can be dangerous when you try to do it yourself. The risk really isn’t worth it.
What should you do instead? Engage the help – and knowledge – of an experienced roof plumber.
A licensed roofing professional can perform roof inspections and maintenance safely, with the utmost care for your home, your family, and themselves.
Leave your roof spring cleaning to an expert roof plumber
With over 20 years of experience, Watermaster Roofing is your go-to team for anything metal roofing related.
Our roof plumbers provide comprehensive roofing service to homes and businesses all over Melbourne.
From metal roofing installation and replacement to repairs and plumbing… whatever you need, we can do it – effectively and safely.
Book a metal roofing inspection with one of our experts.
Give us a call today on 1300 576 075, or contact us online to see how we can help you with your roof spring cleaning.