Caring for your roof as a homeowner might seem like a daunting task, but with the right attitude and a little bit of know-how, you can ensure that your roof stands the test of time. Timely inspections and roof maintenance will help you avoid costly repairs from water leaks and other issues, as well as the premature replacement of your complete roof. The following roofing maintenance guide can help your roof reach its full potential.
Visually Inspect Shingles Each Season
Each season has its own set of issues according to the weather patterns prevalent at the time. Hot, humid months offer significant sun damage and the risk of hurricanes, while cold winter months bring snowstorms and the risk of leaks from melting ice and snow. As a result, you should inspect your shingles and other roofing materials thoroughly every season. Examine the shingles for signs of excessive wear or deterioration, noting any that are completely missing and require replacement. Check the caulk around the flashing as well as your vent pipes for integrity. Any spots with moss or lichen should be noted, as this indicates the possibility of material breakdown beneath the shingles. To avoid tiny, easily repairable difficulties from worsening, address any problems you detect straight immediately.
Treat for Algae, Moss, and Other Plant Life Each Year
Allowing plant life to develop on your roof can cause significant damage as well as an unpleasant appearance. This is more common in shaded regions of your roof during the summer. Having your roof cleaned by a professional will readily eliminate these growths. Once your roof is clean and dry, you can use zinc and copper-based preventative treatments to protect moss, lichen, and algae from returning. These products, when administered annually, efficiently prevent the growth of all substances on your shingles.
Clean and Maintain the Gutters As Necessary
Your gutters safeguard your roof by channeling water and debris away from your roof and home foundation when they are in good shape. Keep your gutters clear of leaves, sticks, and other debris to ensure they can do their job properly. If you don’t have any trees near your house, clean your gutters at least twice a year to ensure appropriate water flow. If you have trees on your property or reside in a hurricane-prone area like North Carolina, cleaning your gutters on a quarterly basis will maintain them in good operating order.
Remove Leaves and Debris From Your Roof
You can efficiently safeguard your home from harm and even prevent the growth of moss, lichen, and algae by removing roof debris. Especially after large storms, your gutters will not capture all of the leaves and debris that may fall on your roof. As a result, it’s critical to check your roof for debris on a regular basis and remove it as soon as possible.
Trim Branches Hanging Near Your Roofline
Trimming large trees near your home, particularly ones that hang over your roof, can help protect your property from impacts and debris collection. Tree limbs can fly freely during heavy storms and natural disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes, potentially harming your roof. Trim any branches that are too close to your roof or appear to be at risk of breaking in a storm. It’s a good idea to inspect the growth of the tree branches surrounding your house once a year to see whether they need to be trimmed.
Inspect & Replace the Caulk Around Flashings
To prevent water from leaking into your home, your roof has flashing around the chimney and vent pipes. You should inspect and reapply the caulk on your roof every year to ensure that it can protect against water leaks. Check for any locations where the caulk is missing or starting to lift up throughout the inspection. If this is the case, just scrape away the old caulk and fill the space with a new bead.
Ensure Your Attic Is Properly Insulated
Snow and ice deposited on your roof over the winter will begin to melt at the lowest layer without sufficient insulation, allowing water to refreeze around your shingles. If you have an ice blockage on your roof that keeps water from draining correctly from the gutters, the melting process can swiftly damage the shingles and the roof itself. The insulation in your attic protects your home from this harm by preventing heat from escaping through the roof. Installing high-quality insulation in your attic areas, such as R-49 and R-60, will help to prevent this problem.
Check for Leaks in the Attic
Water damage may not be evident from the roof or the ground, but it can usually be detected inside the attic by looking for discoloration, wetness, or puddles around your insulation or underneath roof openings such as vents and skylights. These areas are usually start to leak before the other areas of your roof. If you notice any of these indicators, it’s time to schedule a professional roof inspection and repair.
Understand the Impact of Sun Exposure on Your Shingles
The effects of sunlight on the condition of your roof can be disastrous over time. UV rays constantly pour down on roofing materials in very sunny places, heating them up and dissolving their protective oils. However, if there isn’t enough sunlight, the likelihood of moss, algae, and lichen growth increases dramatically. You can work with a roofing specialist to offset those concerns by understanding how the sun, or lack thereof, influences the health of your roof.
Have A Certified Roofing Company Perform All Maintenance and Repairs
Only a professional can tell you whether your roof should be repaired or replaced. When it comes to roof maintenance, the greatest decision you can make as a homeowner is to hire a professional that specializes in residential roofing. There are numerous reasons why entrusting your property to a professional is advantageous, but arguably the most crucial is peace of mind. Roofing experts are highly trained individuals who know what to look for, how to work with various roofing materials and keep meticulous records of their work. This gives you peace of mind, knowing that no matter what type of roof your home has, the specialists will know what to do and have done to keep it in good shape. Contact Big League Roofers for your free roof inspection and maintenance checkup.