Clean Off Debris and Inspect for Winter Damage

The first step in preparing your roof for spring is clearing away the remnants of winter. Accumulated debris and hidden damage can silently erode your roof’s structural integrity if left unchecked.

What You Should Do:

• Remove branches, leaves, and organic matter: Use a roof-safe broom, leaf blower, or professional service to gently remove debris from shingles, gutters, and valleys.
• Clear out gutters and downspouts: Ensure water can flow freely away from your home’s foundation. Clogged gutters lead to standing water, ice dams, and eventual roof leaks.
• Look for signs of winter damage: Cracks, splits, or dents in shingles and flashing could indicate ice or wind damage.
• Inspect soffits and fascia boards: These often-overlooked areas can rot due to gutter overflows or ice damming.

Special Note for Homeowners in:

• McLean VA: This region often experiences high winds and fluctuating temperatures, which can aggravate debris build-up. A spring clean-up is essential to prevent mold and pests.
• Clifton VA & Great Falls VA: Properties with surrounding trees often experience heavier debris accumulation, especially in roof valleys and near chimney flashing.

Call a Roofing Professional When:

• Debris is too high to safely reach or remove.
• Gutter systems are damaged or overflowing with debris.
• There are visible signs of damage like sagging sections or missing fascia boards.

G & A General Contractors, your local roofing contractor serving Northern Virgina, can perform safe, effective debris removal and provide a full seasonal roof check.

Inspect Shingles for Wear, Tear, and Aging

Your shingles act as the first line of defence against the elements. Even a single damaged shingle can lead to interior leaks and insulation damage. As spring arrives, perform a detailed inspection for signs of shingle deterioration.

Detailed Inspection Checklist:

• Cracked or curling shingles: Indicates exposure damage and may allow moisture to seep underneath.
• Missing or loose shingles: These are immediate red flags for potential leaks.
• Granule loss: Excessive granules in your gutters are a sign that your shingles are deteriorating prematurely.
• Color changes or fading: This may suggest sun exposure, aging, or water absorption.
• Visible blistering or buckling: Typically caused by poor ventilation or improper installation.

Local Conditions to Consider:

• Due to frequent storms and older architecture in some neighborhoods, shingle inspections are especially important.
• Upscale homes with complex rooflines require detailed shingle assessments after winter storms.
• Many homes have high-pitched or older roofs where DIY inspection is dangerous. It’s best to consult with a local roofing contractor.

Call a Roofing Professional When:

• You notice multiple damaged shingles.
• Your roof is over 15 years old and hasn’t had a recent inspection.
• You see interior water stains that may originate from the roof.

G & A General Contractors, a trusted roofing company offers free roof inspections to identify problems early and recommend cost-effective solutionsi n Great Falls VA. Mclean, VA, Great Falls, VA.

Watch Out for Mold, Moss, and Algae

As temperatures rise and moisture increases, your roof becomes more susceptible to biological growth. Moss, mold, and algae may seem like cosmetic issues, but they can deteriorate shingles, cause leaks, and reduce curb appeal.

How to Address Biological Growth:

• Identify early signs: Green moss on the surface, black algae streaks, or white patches of lichen.
• Use non-toxic cleaning solutions: You can apply moss-killing sprays and use a soft-bristle brush to gently clean affected areas.
• Improve roof ventilation: Proper airflow prevents moisture build-up and reduces the risk of fungal growth.
• Trim overhanging branches: Direct sunlight helps dry out the roof and prevent the moist environment moss and algae love.

Regional Insights:

• McLean and Clifton VA: Dense tree cover and shaded areas promote moss and algae growth. Roofs in these areas need more frequent monitoring.
• Great Falls VA: Homes near wooded lots or rivers experience higher humidity and thus higher risk of organic growth.

Call a Roofing Professional When:

• The growth is widespread or keeps returning.
• Shingles are lifting due to moss intrusion.
• You’re concerned about the structural impact beneath the surface.

G & A General Contractors, your reliable partner for roofing in Northern Virgina, can clean your roof safely and apply preventative treatments to avoid regrowth.

Check Flashing, Chimneys, Skylights, and Vents

Flashings and roof penetrations are among the most common sources of leaks. They seal gaps between your roof and elements like chimneys, skylights, and ventilation pipes.

Areas to Inspect Closely:

• Flashing around chimneys and skylights: Look for separation, rust, or missing pieces.
• Vent pipe boots: These rubber seals deteriorate over time and crack under extreme temperature changes.
• Caulking and sealants: Over time, sealants dry out and lose effectiveness.
• Exposed nail heads: These can rust or pull loose, leaving gaps.

Pro Tip:

Don’t forget to check inside your attic for signs of water intrusion, such as:

• Water stains on beams or insulation
• Mold smell or discoloration
• Signs of rodent activity, which often occurs through openings in the roof

Regional Considerations:

• Frequent freeze-thaw cycles can cause flashing to expand and contract, breaking seals.
• Larger estate homes with more skylights or multi-tier roofs are at higher risk for complex flashing issues.

Call a Roofing Professional When:

• You see rusted flashing or rotted vent boots.
• You suspect a leak near chimneys or skylights.
• You notice gaps or water stains in your attic ceiling.

Our team at G & A General Contractors offers detailed flashing inspections and repairs. We’re proud to be a leading roofing contractor in McLean VA and surrounding areas.

Schedule a Comprehensive Professional Roof Inspection

Even if everything looks fine on the surface, a professional inspection can uncover hidden risks and provide long-term peace of mind. Spring is an ideal time to get ahead of costly repairs and protect your home before the summer storms roll in.

What a Roof Inspection Includes:

• Shingle assessment: Checking for aging, granule loss, and installation quality.
• Flashing and sealant inspection: Identifying vulnerable points.
• Gutter and drainage review: Ensuring proper water flow.
• Structural inspection: Detecting sagging or moisture damage in the decking or rafters.
• Ventilation analysis: Ensuring your attic has proper airflow to prevent overheating and moisture build-up.

Why Annual Inspections Matter:

• Catch small problems before they escalate.
• Extend the lifespan of your roofing materials.
• Maintain your home’s warranty and value.
• Prepare your home for upcoming storm seasons.

Call a Roofing Professional When:

• Your roof is aging (15+ years).
• You’re seeing rising energy bills (could be insulation or ventilation issues).
• You’re planning to sell or refinance your home.

G & A General Contractors, your reliable partner for roofing in Northern Virgina, can clean your roof safely and apply preventative treatments to avoid regrowth.