At the first sign of spring, homeowners turn their attention to deep dusting, floor waxing, window cleaning, furniture moving, gardening, and a host of other household chores. Spring cleaning has become a tradition for many people. When getting caught up in the frenzy of cleaning, though, many Jenks, OK, homeowners overlook an important aspect of their home — the roof.

1. Roof Inspection

You can visually inspect your roof without climbing on it. Depending on the type of roof you have, you should look for missing or damaged shingles and shingles that are out of place or don’t lay flat. Also, look for signs of damaged or loose roof flashing, and pay attention to the roof’s ridge, hips, fascia, and soffit. If you suspect a problem or can’t perform an adequate examination, then you should contact a professional roofing service to perform an inspection.

2. Roof Cleaning

It’s important to keep your roof clean, not just for spring cleaning, but year-round. Over time, moss, algae, fungi, mold, and heaps of granule can accumulate and lead to roof rot. This rot can also attract pests and other wildlife that could do further damage to your roof. There are many types of roofs and many ways to clean them. You can use a 1:1 ratio of bleach to water to clean most roofs. Using a garden sprayer, spread the mixture on the area that needs cleaning, let sit for 20 minutes, and then rinse with clean water. Many online DIY videos walk you through the process.

3. Gutter Cleaning

You should also consider your gutters during spring cleaning. First, remove dead trees and limbs from around your house. Leaves from tree branches hanging over a roof can quickly clog a gutter. With gloved hands or a small whisk broom, rake through the gutter to remove debris. Then, rinse out the gutter with a hose. With the water running through the gutter, check for any leaks that need repairing.

A clean, maintained roof can preserve the value of your home and save you from having to replace your roof too soon.