Across North America, roof replacements gobble down an estimated 94 percent of all roofing projects. On a national level, roof replacement costs an average of $8,000. Take action to guarantee the lifespan of your roof, and if you take care of your roof, it will last anywhere from 25 to 50 years. Let’s look at seven spring roofing maintenance ideas for homeowners in Delaware.
#1: Clean the Gutters
Gutters full of debris become a breeding ground for ants, wasps, beetles, mice, and squirrels that take up residence. Mice and squirrels can chew through wood and shingles and other substances made to hold your roof together. Wasps often build their nests underneath shingles and cause cracks to form, allowing leaks into the attic. Never let pests like this stay on the roof.
You clean the gutters as well to prevent mold and ensure that your gutters drain the rainwater. Especially after a long winter, you will see a buildup of debris that hurts the function and can attract pests.
#2: Inspect the Roof for Signs of Damage
Once a shingle exhibits signs of damage, replace the shingle or risk the integrity of your entire roof. Snow is uncommon in Delaware, but homes near the ocean may suffer damage from stronger winds. The cool breeze also brings salt particles that attach themselves to your roof, accumulate over time, and can deteriorate the structural integrity of your home.
Saltwater is corrosive, so you need to waterproof and seal your shingles to prevent damage over time. You may consider using a sprayer attached to a hose with diluted bleach and water to clean the roof in the spring season. As a general rule, don’t use a pressure washer on asphalt shingles because it can cause damage to the roof.
#3: Repair Loose Flashing and Metal Strips
We don’t recommend that you undertake this work yourself, and you may find it beneficial to hire one of the Delaware roofing companies like RGB Construction. We will handle the repairs with expertise, and we’ll take on the dangers of climbing up onto the roof. Around 50 roofers die every year from falling, and even with experts, it remains one of the most dangerous industries.
Our company will look for gaps in the sealant and ensure that your roof’s integrity stands strong for years to come.
#4: Check for Leaks
Unfortunately, you may struggle to pinpoint the exact location of a leak on the roof. While you can easily spot it in the home due to water or mold, leaks are harder to find on the roof unless you have obviously warped or missing shingles. When you go to find a leak, begin with an uphill look at the stains.
Provided you have access to the attic, you might look for wall stains or black mold. Hiring a professional Delaware roofer can usually find the leak easier.
#5: Remove Tree Branches Covering the Roof
Remove overhanging tree branches that cover the roof because it prevents the sun from drying your roof, and it poses a risk of damaging the shingles if the branch falls on the roof. On the one hand, the sun’s rays can damage your roof, but if it can’t eliminate the moisture, it can lead to mold. Sun exposure is usually better than too much moisture. Signs of sun damage include cracked or peeling roof material, which you can replace.
#6: Beware of Plumbing Vent Boots
In many cases when you experience a leak, it doesn’t come from the shingles themselves. The leaks often come from plumbing vents or other weak areas where the water can seep in. For example, if you have a loose or missing nail, which can happen over time, the metal on the plumbing vent lifts up and can start to let the water in. In some cases, the plumbing vent may consist of plastic. Check the plastic for cracks and address this issue as soon as you see a problem because it can quickly cost you more money if the damage accumulates.
#7: Check the Complex Roof Part
A complex roof means that the roof joins with the other parts of the roof in a complex way. The issue with complex roofing comes from how snow builds up in these areas in the winter. If your home has a complex roof, waterproofing this area proves one of the most difficult. Oftentimes, they will have poor flashing, and even rain from a storm can seep into this area to cause a leak.
The best way to handle an area like this is to ensure that you installed flashing properly and keep it in good condition. Doing it yourself can mean that you accidentally installed it wrong because you don’t have the experience of the experts. Granted, experts can do it wrong, too, which is why you should hire reputable professionals like RGB Construction to maintain the roof.
Conclusion
Seasonal roofing maintenance will ensure the lifespan of your roof and prevent leaks. You usually perform maintenance on a roof twice a year. Some homeowners take on the risk themselves, but you should understand how that comes with the dangers. Paying someone to perform the maintenance allows the professionals to take on the risk. Good maintenance practices mean the difference between a small repair and a total replacement. Regular maintenance will also ensure that your home looks its best. You can schedule a consultation by calling us at 856-264-9093.
