Roof replacement may be one of the costliest investments a homeowner makes, yet routine maintenance will save money in the long run.
Regular roofing inspections and maintenance practices can significantly decrease your risk of spending an exorbitant amount on extensive roof repairs in the future, as they safeguard warranty policies and extend lifespan of a commercial roof.
Clean Your Gutters
Your gutter system protects against water from seeping into fascia boards, roof sheathing or wall framing, but when they become clogged they can cause the sheathing to become damaged and even your foundation to crack – clean gutters will help your roof last longer and prevent future issues!
Clogged gutters can become choked with leaves, twigs, dirt and other debris, blocking off water flow off of roofs to downspouts. When this occurs, water cannot flow as intended to downspouts causing potential water damage as well as mold growth and even shingle loss.
Always clean your gutters regularly by using a PVC brush or melamine foam sponge with bristles to scrub away dirt and grime, preferable from the ground whenever possible, to reduce risk from falling debris which could damage gutters or push you off ladders. Install gutter guards to reduce annual maintenance requirements or hire professional to install them for you if you have a shingle roof; especially important if this type of roof requires annual inspections.
Check Your Shingles
Your roof’s shingles provide your home with protection from rain, high winds and hail; while adding curb appeal and resale value. However, over time they will wear down with repeated exposure to weather elements, impacting curb appeal.
Asphalt shingles require regular inspection and repairs as needed in order to stay in good condition. A professional can assess for signs of damage and make repairs as needed.
If you own a wood shake roof, a professional can coat it with a protective polymer coating to shed water away and safeguard them from further damage. Furthermore, more durable options such as architectural or Malarkey shingles could help avoid costly roof repairs in the future.
Keep the Trees Around Your Roof Trimmed
Maintaining properly trimmed trees can help mitigate various problems, including costly roof repairs. Tree limbs rubbing against your roof during high winds can damage its protective outer layer and scratch its shingles, while overhanging branches allow squirrels and rodents access onto it and chew at its protective layer – in general, tree branches should be at least 10 feet from your home to prevent this issue.
Overgrown trees also produce leaves which can clog gutters and lead to roof leaks, while pine needles can fall onto your shingles, blocking water evaporation. This leads to an accumulation of moisture on top of them which leads to growth of moss, algae, or lichen that damages roofs further.
If you feel inexperienced when it comes to trimming the branches yourself, it would be wise to hire a professional instead. Otherwise, the risk of falling off of a ladder and damaging your roof could increase considerably.
Check the Flashing
Flashings on roofs serve to divert water away from vulnerable spots such as chimneys and vent pipes, usually caulking is used around these points to seal them against leakage. Since caulking expands and contracts depending on weather fluctuations, it is wise to inspect these areas annually and replace any worn caulk.
Keep a close eye on your roof’s metal flashings to ensure watertight conditions, and on any neoprene pipe boots protecting vent stacks which could become exposed to sunlight or temperature extremes and become compromised as a result. Rust or missing fasteners on metal flashings is one problem; similarly, neoprene pipe boots protecting vent stacks could crack with exposure and temperature variations resulting in cracking neoprene pipe boots protecting them can crack over time from sun exposure and extreme temperature changes resulting in compromised protection of vent stacks.
Regular roof inspections provide you with the opportunity to identify problems early and avoid more expensive repairs in the future. They’re also an opportunity to clear away debris from gutters in vulnerable spots like roof valleys that can cause water backflow into the house and leak in. By performing regular maintenance checks on your roof, you can ensure its future longevity in protecting your home for many years to come.
