Roof maintenance should be an ongoing ritual, particularly with seasonal changes. Fall and spring are the critical times of year and should be automatic reminders of what needs to be done to keep a roof in shape throughout the year. Roofing contractors definitely recommend checking a roof at these different times of the year. With fall leading into winter, a roof needs to be prepared for the harsh realities of a long winter. Once the cold weather has passed and spring has arrived, there will be continued maintenance to make up for what has occurred from fall through the winter and beyond. Whether you inspect your roof yourself or call in a professional for a general roof inspection, there are some essential tips to help initiate the process.
Inspection
Again, inspection either by you or a roofing professional is a start. An inspection during the fall and spring (twice a year) should involve a look at both the surface of your shingles and flashing. If your shingles (or flashing) are damaged, broken or blistered, they should be repaired or replaced. Following that, the interior of your home should be looked at for holes, leaks, wiring issues, wood rot, mold, structural damage and signs of animal infestation. Any of these issues should be addressed right away and promptly repaired. Safety concerns should be taken into consideration when inspecting or making any repairs. Don’t attempt to take on a job that is meant for a professional. Consulting with an expert early on for small repairs is much better than facing major repairs when the weather drastically changes.
Cleaning Gutters
If your gutters are overwhelmed with leaves, sticks and other debris, they are not going to remove water effectively. Excess water accumulation in gutters can cause
water to overflow onto your roof, which can trigger mold and mildew growth. Simple gutter cleaning on a routine basis can save a lot of headaches with possible water damage and any debris accumulation below the gutters.
In addition to a thorough gutter cleaning, make sure that any other debris on your roof is swept away. Leaves, pine needles, pine cones, and any other vegetation should be removed from a rooftop as much of it can retain moisture and cause rot, mold or other problems. If you have swept your rooftop before, be sure you can follow through as the process can be dangerous. Think about calling in a professional if you have any qualms.
Tree Trimming
Trimming and pruning any trees near a roof structure is extremely important. Tree branches, limbs, and debris can do real damage to even the best of roofing materials and structures, plus trees close to a roof can even grow into a structure. Shingles can be broken and holes can happen with falling branches or limbs. To avoid any of these possibilities, trim trees that are close to your roof and remove any trees that have taken root in your home’s structure. Also, allow enough spacing between trees and your roof to avoid tree branches and limbs from colliding with your roof during windy and stormy weather.
Insulation and Ventilation
Roof maintenance should also include a look at the adequacy of the insulation in your attic space and your roof ventilation system. When airflow is limited in your attic, energy bills can skyrocket. Lack of airflow can also trigger moisture buildup which can cause leaks, particularly with snow and ice accumulation. Lack of proper venting at critical locations on a roof such as the ridges, gables, and soffits (undersides of your roof) can result in the condensation of moist hot air which can result in mold and rot damage to the support areas of your roof. Moist heat can also cause ice dams to form from accumulated snow on a roof, which can lead to leaks. Maintaining energy efficiency is very important when it comes to your roof. If warm air is allowed to build up, it will find its way into your living spaces and overheat them, which will mean overuse of air conditioning and inefficient energy use.
Maintaining a roof really is a year-round job but if the tips presented here are followed, your roof should remain in good shape throughout the year. Should you need to know more about maintaining your roof, complete the contact form and a roofing expert will get back to you with the answers you need to maintain your roof any time of year.
