As the weather warms and we spend more time outside. Your roof is a big part of first impressions, and it is highly visible to both homebuyers and friends. If you have an old roof that you are concerned is detracting from the appearance of your home, now is the time to replace it. Here are five suggestions to help your roof look younger and better this spring!
- Clean Away Debris
Nobody is impressed by needle-filled gutters or shingles covered in leaves. You have a roof that deserves to be seen beneath that winter layer of debris! Clean out your gutters and sweep leaves and other debris off your roof with care. Consider hiring a professional roof cleaner if there is a lot of dust and dirt on your roof. Climbing all over your roof can cause damage to vulnerable shingles (as well as safety hazards) unless you know what you’re doing.
- Get Rid of Algae and Mildew
Rooftops in wetter climates can gradually become overgrown with dark algae, mildew, and moss, especially older roofs surrounded by trees. These unsightly growths damage your shingles and make your roof look unappealing, but removing them is an excellent spring cleaning project. A gentle wash with a water/bleach mixture can remove algae temporarily, but copper or zinc installations are recommended to help prevent long-term problems.
- Install New Gutters
Gutters are one of the most noticeable components of your roof. Gutters that are old, sagging, or crooked can make a bad first impression. They can, thankfully, be repaired, repainted, and replaced! Gutter replacement can be a very effective “facelift” for your home. Upgrading to copper gutters or more fashionable designs can help a roof appear younger (while also doing a better job of draining water). Even a small project, such as replacing downspouts with more modern chains, can have a significant impact.
- Repairing Edges and Eaves
When people get close to your house, they notice the edges of the roof and the eaves. Consider how these edges appear when spring cleaning. Are the shingle edges frayed and uneven? Is the paint flaking off your eaves? Replace damaged shingles and repair your eaves during spring cleaning to keep your roof looking even and new! If your flashing is crooked or rusted, you should have it replaced as well. In general, nothing on your roof’s edges should be crooked or out of place.
- Replace Shingles with Better Colors
Nothing looks out of place on a roof like the wrong shingle colors. If your shingles have faded or never looked quite right, consider a larger replacement project to find the shingle color that will truly make your home shine. Skysail Mabati can assist you in selecting the appropriate shingle colors to complement your home’s palette and get it ready to welcome family and friends this December.
