Asphalt shingle roofs may be the most affordable material and easy to maintain but that doesn’t mean you should neglect it. Every homeowner should employ proper maintenance techniques and contact a professional roofer in Fort Lauderdale for serious repairs. After all, the roof is your home’s first line of defense against bad weather and other disasters. Therefore, you should keep it in good condition so it can continue to perform its job effectively and stay in good condition. The following are simple maintenance tasks most homeowners can do. When in doubt, call the professional team at J&K Roofing.
Main Causes Of Damage
Asphalt roofs can last up to 30 years with proper maintenance. You can expect your roof to endure a lot over its lifetime, but the main culprits of abuse are:
- Weather (sunlight, humidity, wind, rain, hurricanes)
- Buildup of dirt, plant debris, algae, mildew
- Incorrect installation
- Poor maintenance
- Few repairs
Even if you do not see damage to your roof, it is still important to have it inspected by a professional at least twice a year. In addition to professional inspections, you must maintain your roof throughout the year when necessary and hire a licensed roofing contractor for serious roof repairs. Even though a roof endures a lot of abuse, you can do what is necessary to better protect your investment.
Check The Shingles
You should always check your shingles to make sure none are missing or damaged. If you spot any missing or compromised shingles, make sure to replace them immediately either on your own or by contacting a professional. The good news is asphalt shingles are cheap and easy to replace. Remember that damage comes in many forms. Excessive dirt, grime, algae, moss, and fungal growth can all damage the shingles and weaken the structure of your roof. Make sure to keep an eye on the health of your shingles and take the necessary action.
Inspect Roof Sealant
Roof sealant is added as an additional layer of protection against extreme weather and other environmental factors. Sealant is critical to the health and longevity of your roof, so make sure to inspect it for wear and tear and perform replacements as necessary. When it’s time to replace it, remove the existing sealant and add a fresh coat.
Remove Rust
If any metal parts are installed on your roof, like metal roof flashings, or antenna mounts, you will need to check them for corrosion and rust. If you notice any signs of rust, it is crucial to remove them immediately. You don’t need an expert to remove rust, but it does require a lot of time and elbow grease. Once all of it is removed, it is recommended to prime and paint the affected areas to ensure it lasts longer.
Trim Tree Branches
An important part of maintaining shingles roofs in Hollywood, FL is to carefully groom the surrounding trees. You should always trim any tree branches that are hanging close to your roof. Do your best to ensure leaves cannot easily fall onto your roof, as leaves retain moisture and can rot your shingles.
Clean Your Gutters
Make sure that your gutters do not clog up, as this can cause significant damage to your roof. Once water builds up in your gutters, it is only a matter of time before it travels to your roof and gets underneath your shingles. As you may already know, this can cause damage to the entire roofing structure. The purpose of your gutters is to transfer water away from the roof, but if it is not properly maintained, it can do the exact opposite. So, remember cleaning the gutters is not simply a tedious weekend chore, it is necessary to maintain the longevity of your roof. Let the professionals do this for you – gutter maintenance is part of our residential roofing services.
Bottom Line
Asphalt shingles are easy to maintain and generally easy to repair. They have a long lifespan, making them a good investment for any homeowner. Nevertheless, proper maintenance is crucial to protect it from years of abuse, such as sunlight, humidity, and hurricanes. When you are unable to handle maintenance on your own, contact the experts at J&K Roofing.
Contact J&K Roofing
South Florida roofs are vulnerable since heavy rain and wind are frequent. Our team will restore any roof to perfect working order. For over 30 years, we have serviced homes throughout South Florida, specializing in residential and commercial roofing systems. For a licensed roofer in Fort Lauderdale, contact J&K Roofing. Call (954) 961-9879 to learn more.