A dry, warm, and safe house starts with a quality roof. To protect your roof and keep it performing at its best, regular roof maintenance is important. Roof maintenance is all about supporting the health, longevity, and integrity of your roof.
Seasonal roof maintenance should be performed every fall. You will also want to perform regular roof check-ups. If you notice any damage or warning signs, contact a roofing professional for a roof inspection. It is far less costly to be proactive and fix small issues before they growth into larger, more costly problems.
Follow our roof maintenance checklist to keep your roof in good shape.
Seasonal Roof Maintenance
Every fall, you want to conduct seasonal roof maintenance to prevent potential damage to your roof from water blockages, tree branches, etc.
1. Clean Your Gutters
Keep your gutters clear and free of clogs. If leaves and other debris build up and block water flow, water can overflow and back up underneath your shingles. Your gutters are designed to collect water runoff from your roof and direct it away from your house. Keep your gutters clear so they can do their job!
Also, make sure your gutters are properly connected to the downspout and that the downspout is pointed away from the house. It is always good to check this before a storm or before the winter months.
2. Trim Nearby Tree Branches
Trim the trees surrounding your home. Remove any branches that hang over your roof and remove any dead tree branches. In addition to falling on your roof and causing damage, tree branches can rub your shingles over time and cause damage.
3. Cover Vents and Openings
As the weather gets colder, critters and insects will be looking for warmth. Make sure all vents and openings are closed.
4. Limit Algae & Moss Growth
Check for algae growth or moss growth. If you notice any growth, it is time to take action. If you leave the algae or moss growth, it can slowly rot and deteriorate your shingles. There are various treatments that can help remove algae from your roof. Remember, be careful! You don’t want to damage the shingles in the process of cleaning. You can always contact a roofing professional for advice on how to best remedy your situation.
5. Remove Debris
Dirt, leaves, sticks, maple helicopter seeds, and debris will accumulate over time on your roof. Remove any dirt or debris to prevent future damage. If the dirt and debris ends up in your gutters, it can create clogs and blockages. Using a leaf blower to blow any debris is a great way to keep your roof clean and in good shape.
Routine Roof-Checks
As time goes on, your roof experiences weather and natural aging. To be proactive, it is good to inspect vulnerable areas and double check your roof for damage.
1. Inspect Shingles
Inspect your shingles for damage. Replace any that are missing, curling, cracking, peeling, tearing, or damaged to protect leaks. Also, make sure the shingles aren’t missing any granules. You may want to contact a professional to make the necessary repairs. It is better to have a professional do it right rather then risk doing it yourself.
When you are inspecting the shingles, keep an eye out for any missing or loose nails. Missing or loose nails cause leaks and more damage.
2. Inspect Flashing & Joints
Flashing refers to the metal sheets that are installed along joints and seams to direct water away from vulnerable areas. Flashing is often located near vent pipes, chimneys, or slopes. Make sure the flashing is not dented, rusted, discolored, or missing fasteners.
Also, check any joints to make sure the seal is intact. If you notice any gaps, make sure to seal to prevent damage.
3. Inspect Structural Elements
Check your chimney, skylights, or any other structural elements for damage including rust, rot, cracking, etc.
4 Check for Moisture
Inspect your attic and ceiling tiles for any signs of water damage. Keep an eye out for any of the following warning signs that you may have water damage: water stains, musty odors, or bulging patches.
5. Check Existing Repairs
Existing repairs are vulnerabilities. You should always check that existing repairs are still holding up. If you notice any issues, contact a professional to fix the issue.
6. Watch for Ice Dams
Ice dams form when the snow melts, trickles down your roof, and then refreezes over the eaves. When water pools and begins to accumulate on the shingle surface, damage to the shingles and roof deck can occur. If you notice an ice dam, you want to remove the snow from the roof in the short term.
Over the long-term, you will want to contact a roofing professional to help you remedy the root cause. Proper ventilation and adequate insulation prevents excess heat from reaching the roof, which will reduce melting snow and risk of ice dams.
Request a Professional Roof Inspection
If you notice signs of damage, reoccurring repairs, or have concerns, request a roof inspection. Our inspectors can evaluate any concerns you have and spot potential problems you may have missed. Plus, we can share invaluable tips for maintaining your roof. Your roof is one of the largest investments you make in your home. Be proactive and take care of your roof to make it last as long as possible.
If you just moved into a new home, it is a great time to schedule a roof inspection. If you are lucky, the seller’s condition report may give you the age of the roof. Otherwise, you don’t have much to go off of. If you don’t know much about your roof history, a roof inspection can be very educational. At the very least, you can learn about how old your roof is and how much more time it has. Also, in the event a problem arises, you have a contractor to call that will service your property.
Roof inspection is a great way to get to know your local roofing contractor. That way, you have someone you trust and know to call in the event of storm damage, an unexpected issue, or the eventual roof replacement.
Comments