Spring cleaning season is here, and that means you’re already prepared to get your hands dirty. But, if you’re not also ready to take your efforts outside, you are doing yourself a disservice. Now is the perfect time to show your roof and gutters a little bit of love.

When you live in the South, your roofing system gets to experience all four seasons (sometimes during the same week), so it has to work 100% of the time. Today, QE Roofing of Franklin, TN answers a few questions about spring roof maintenance.

Q: How often should I clean my gutters?

QE Roofing: That depends on where you live and how clogged up they might get. Middle Tennessee is a great example of a location where homeowners may need to clean their roofs and gutters more often than normal. Where we are located (in Franklin, TN), we have lots of trees. Roofing and gutter systems can get overwhelmed with falling leaves. Ideally, you’ll clean your gutters out at least twice each year, at the beginning of spring and once the leaves begin to fall come September/October.

Q: How can I clean my gutters safely?

QE Roofing: Start by assessing your comfort with heights. Then, make sure that you have another person to hold the ladder steadily. Grab a pair of heavy gloves and a gutter scoop or large, rigid cup. Stand where your eyes are approximately three feet above the top of the gutters, which gives you ample arm reach to work in three to four-foot sections. Once each line of gutters is clean, have your helper on the ground hand you the water hose so you can give them a quick flush.

Q: What are some things that I can look for on the roof that might indicate a problem?

QE Roofing: You should examine your roofing system at the beginning of each season and after strong storms, including tornadoes and heavy snowfall. If you are already on the ladder, take a quick look at the shingles. Are there any missing or damaged? Is the flashing around your chimney or air vents still in place? When you are satisfied that things look good from the top, take a walk around the perimeter of your home. If you see any holes or indentations, you might want to call a roofing inspector to see if there is something you’re missing. Similarly, if you notice discolorations on your ceiling, you may have a leak.

Q: I have a metal roof. How can I keep it in top shape?

QE Roofing: Keep debris cleaned off your roof. If any grime is present, use a soft-tip pressure washer and gently wash the roof. It’s best to be on a ladder or rope and harness since once metal becomes wet it is very slippery. Do not pressure wash screws as this can damage the neoprene washers that seal them. If you ever have any doubt, call a professional like QE Roofing.

Your springtime cleaning efforts should not end with the pantry and the floors. Make sure your entire house is ready for the tumultuous spring season by channeling some of your energy onto the roof.

QE Roofing provides professional residential and commercial roofing services in Franklin, TN and the surrounding areas.