The roof is an essential feature for protecting your home and keeping your family dry, which is why roof care is something you should never procrastinate. While roofing materials are built to last, there are times when roof maintenance and repairs are necessary to ensure the longevity and durability of your roof. In this article, we are taking a look at your recommended roof checklist, to help you protect your home and extend its roof lifespan.
Why Roof Maintenance Matters
It’s no surprise that roof replacement can be costly because of the materials that are needed and the intensive labor necessary for installation. Eventually, all roofs need to be replaced. But there are things that you can do for roof protection to delay the need to spend money on a full replacement. Talk to any industry expert and they will agree that regular maintenance is the most important factor for preventing costly repairs.
Too often, homeowners overlook the roof because it is “out of sight, out of mind.” The roof isn’t easily visible for an up-close inspection, which means that this area of the property can be overlooked. But if you are neglecting roof inspection and repair, then it can result in costly consequences that cause damage to your home.
Not only does proactive roof care protect your home, but these services are beneficial for improving your home’s value and curb appeal. Seemingly small roof repair and maintenance tasks go a long way to help you avoid the need for more expensive services later on.
Checklist: How to Maintain Your Roof
What tasks should be priorities on your roof maintenance checklist? It aways starts with an inspection to identify if there are any areas of concern or issues that require repair. Then, you can move onto other maintenance tasks that will reduce the risk of damage in the future.
Professional Roof Inspection
Your roof should be checked at least once a year, especially when you are approaching the end of the roof’s lifespan. While a DIY inspection is a good place to start, it often makes sense to bring in the experts for professional services. Your roof inspection should include:
- Clear the debris first so you can see the full roof
- Check for moss and algae growth
- Inspect gutters and downspouts
- Look for signs of wear or damage on the shingles
- Watch for signs of leaks (inside and outside)
- Inspect flashing and seals
Roof Cleaning
Once the inspection is completed, then it is time to move forward with cleaning and roof repair if necessary. One of the main reasons you might need to clean your roof is because of algae and moss that are building up. Not only are these organic compounds unsightly and cause discoloration on the roof, but they can also damage the shingles over time. For example, if moss is left on the roof, then it can trap moisture underneath, which eventually leads to rot and other issues.
Specialized tools and techniques should be used for your roof cleaning. The goal is to get rid of the algae and moss without causing damage to the shingles and other materials on the house. DYI roof care can be complicated and potentially dangerous, which is why it’s recommended to bring in an experienced team for assistance.
Clear and Repair the Gutters
If you want to extend roof life, then it’s important to make sure that the gutters are in good working condition. So, part of your DIY roof cleaning checklist should include clearing leaves and debris out of the gutters. Pay attention to any areas that might be collecting a lot of debris, then look for ways to minimize the buildup in the future.
Keep in mind that debris in the gutter not only takes a toll on the way the water flows through the gutters. But this debris can also get heavier with time, resulting in damage because the gutters will start to pull away from the roof. So, proactive gutter cleaning and maintenance not only protects your roof but also reduces the need to repair or replace the gutters in the future.
Shingle Repairs and Replacement
If you see any visible signs of roof damage, then it’s important to call for professional roof repair services right away. The shingles need to be replaced, and the underlayers of the roof should also be inspected and repaired if necessary.
Shingle repairs help prevent roof damage by minimizing the risk of water leaking into the roof and house. Shingles act as the first line of defense during a storm. So, if any shingles are missing, then it is a weak point in the roof… which could cause serious problems in the future if left untreated.
Additional Roof Maintenance Tips
Here are a few other things to keep in mind when you are maintaining your roof:
- Proper attic and roof ventilation is important to minimize the risk of damage
- If leaks are present, they should be fixed as quickly as possible to prevent further damage
- Debris should be removed and the roof needs to be cleaned regularly
Keep trees and branches trimmed and away from the house to prevent roof damage