Happy New Year: A 2021 Roofing & Home Upkeep Calendar

Happy New Year. I know I echo most of the world when I say how thankful we are for the blessings of 2020 while entering 2021 with the greatest of hopes for change and recovery. 

This blog is dedicated to proactive planners. Taking care of your home or commercial building along the way saves money over the long-term. Here is a monthly calendar to help you protect your valuable assets all year long. You can certainly do these tasks any time during the year, but here are my recommendations for those who like to space things out.

January: Christmas lights & gutter care 

While carefully taking down your Christmas lights, make sure not to damage your shingles or gutters. Take this opportunity to give your gutters some love. Grab a sponge and some soapy water. As you remove the lights, wipe down the outside of your gutters. You’ll be surprised at what a difference it makes. 

February: In case of freeze

While we escaped prolonged hard freezes in the Dallas – Fort Worth area the past few years, there remains the chance 2021 could deliver a doozy. When temperatures remain low for long periods, ice dams can form at the edges of your roof. This ice impacts water runoff and, in severe cases, can damage your roof deck. (Read next week’s blog for more information and how to help avoid damage in the future.) 

March: Take care of your interior 

The weather begins to warm up, but plenty of cold days remain. March is ideal for interior projects, including repairing any interior damage from previous roofing leaks such as flooring replacement or drywall and paint touchups. 

April: Spring roof inspection 

Depending on winter’s severity, heavy winds may result in broken limbs impacting your shingles. If you have overhanging tree branches, be sure to check your roof for damage. 

Don’t forget your gutters either. If you did not clean them last fall, leaves could be obstructing water runoff. Combined with the winter precipitation, they may be overdue for a cleaning to ensure your gutters are ready for spring storms. 

May: Window replacement 

If considering new windows, May is a perfect time (although there is not a wrong time). Whether you want a new look or your current windows leak or lack energy efficiency, using a quality window installer makes the project go smoother and the end-result better. 

June: Schedule your inspection 

With spring storms mostly behind us in Texas, it is time to schedule your annual roof and gutter inspection. Peak Roofing & Construction is an Owens Corning Roofing Platinum Contractor and has Haag-certified roofing inspectors trained to identify roofing issues many roofers miss. A thorough roofing inspection by an experienced roofing contractor includes far more than missing shingles or tiles. For example, we look for damp spots to indicate low areas where water could sit and cause a leak in the future. Fascia boards are checked for cracks and dry rot. Flashings are carefully inspected for damage as they are the most common source for leaks. 

Gutters get a watchful eye as well. If the supports are bending, your gutters can sag or become uneven, affecting how efficiently they take water away from your roof. If the fascia boards show cracks or dry rot, they need to be replaced. 

July: Time to paint or touch-up your exterior 

The dry summers of Texas give the perfect window for exterior painting. Projects rarely need to be rescheduled due to rain. For the best exterior paint results, you want dry weather 48 hours before and 24 hours after completion. 

Thinking about a new fence? Our fencing professionals can make recommendations and help get your fence repaired or replaced quickly and efficiently. 

August: Interior improvements  

Stay safe and out of the heat. August is the perfect time for interior facelift projects, including new hardwood flooring and a fresh coat of interior paint. The experienced Peak Roofing & Construction professionals offer advice on the best materials and paint types for interior projects. 

September: Trim trees 

The spring and summer growing season likely lengthen branches overhanging your home or building. Trimming back large and dead branches decreases your chance of having roofing damage due to broken limbs. I recommend at least four feet of clearance between branches and roofing surfaces to allow for future growth and heavy winds. 

October: Fall gutter cleaning 

In an ideal world, gutters should be cleaned twice a year to mimic the Texas weather pattern of spring storms and fall leaves – the two biggest culprits for clogging gutters. 

November: Ventilation check 

People vastly underestimate the importance of proper attic insulation. Attics without good ventilation are susceptible to mold, mildew, and dry rot damage. I have seen neglected ventilation issues cause thousands of dollars in damage to the roofing structure. There was a home in Plano that was so severe it required the insulation and even portions of the roof deck to be replaced. 

December: Christmas light installation

When pulling out the ladder and the lights, remember safety comes first. Use the correct size ladder, wear the proper shoes, and always have a friend nearby. Use Christmas light holders designed for your situation and avoid putting nails into your fascia boards. 

Peak Roofing & Construction offers a full array of exterior and interior services through North Texas. We are here for you regardless of the project size. A simple roof inspection, gutter cleaning, or drywall patch gets the same quality and professional care as an entire apartment complex or commercial building reroof. At Peak, we are here for our customers for the life of their building. Call us today for information on how we can help keep your home or office ready for what’s ahead. 

About Peak Roofing & Construction 

Peak Roofing & Construction is family-owned, with 30-years of experience. Bonded, insured, and accredited, we provide roofing, gutter, fence, window, and exterior facelift services. Guaranteed. Call (972) 335-7325 in Dallas-Fort Worth (residential & commercial) including Melissa, Hurst, and Bedford.