Roof maintenance is an essential part of owning your home.
Damage can build up, causing the roof to require extensive repairs or replacement.
It doesn’t matter if you have been living in your home for years or just recently bought it, it is never too late to learn about roof maintenance.
There are many things you can do to prolong your roof’s lifespan. Keep reading to find out why the following tips are important and how a little DIY roof maintenance can save you money in the long run.
Roof maintenance starts with a good cleaning.
Clean up any leaves, twigs, and other debris on your roof. Be especially careful in the valleys and behind skylights and chimneys, as debris can build up there. An easy way to clean it off is with a leaf blower.
A broom can also be used to clean the roof if you don’t own a leaf blower. To avoid shingle breakage, use a soft household brush to gently sweep the debris away from the roof.
Power washers can cause severe damage to your shingles, or even cause them to be removed if not handled properly so be extremely cautious when choosing to use a power washer to clean your roof.
Cleaning out your gutters is an important part of roof maintenance as clogged gutters can lead to a blocked roof.
It also can cause water damage to your roof, fascia, and foundation, leading to old and mildew.
Check your roof’s features and openings.
Water intrusion is more likely to occur around chimneys, skylights, or vent openings that are located on the roof.
These openings are sealed during installation, but they can leak over time.
These areas should be inspected carefully so that any damage or leaking can be detected early to prevent costly repairs. You can do some of the basic roof maintenance for some of these issues yourself, such as repairing cracked or damaged sealant.
Inspect your shingles.
Regular inspection of your shingles is one of the simplest tasks homeowners can perform. It can begin on the ground and doesn’t require any additional tools or work from you. Just take a look up and give your roof a once-over whenever you are outside.
Pay attention to the appearance.
Do you see any streaky shingles or shingles that appear cracked or damaged?
It is also important to inspect your gutters for shingle debris. Shingle granules can be a sign that they are reaching the end of their useful lives.
Shingles that have lost most of their granules are more susceptible to UV radiation. They will crack and allow water infiltration, which can cause damage to your home’s interior.
We do not recommend you performing your own roof maintenance if you need to replace a large number of shingles.
If you do see cracked or broken shingles, click here for a free inspection.
Look for moss.
When inspecting your roof for moss, look for any kind of green growth. Because moss can quickly spread and cause shingles to lift, it is especially dangerous for roofs.
Untreated moss can cause extensive damage to your roof and require a complete roof replacement.
Roof maintenance for moss is a pretty easy fix. You can remove it with water and a soft scrub brush if caught in time. Make sure you scrub only downward to prevent from pulling up the shingle.
Trim the trees near your roof.
Low-hanging branches that are close to the roof are an easy roof maintenance task that is often forgotten. Trees too close to your roof can cause damage in many ways.
The most common damage would be from branches falling or breaking during a storm. Structural damage and shingle replacement can be easily avoided by removing or trimming branches that get too long.
Inspect the attic.
Don’t forget to look under the roof, which is to say, the attic.
Checking your attic regularly is the last item on your roofing maintenance checklist. Water damage is not always visible from the ground or on the roof. However, you can find it by checking for any discoloration, moisture, or puddles in the attic. These signs indicate that a professional roof inspection is necessary and should be done.
Your roofing system is only as good as the ventilation in your attic. Proper ventilation can prevent heat damage and other problems. Poor ventilation can be spotted by deterioration in insulation, heat damage, mold, or mildew.
We Can Help
J&K Roofing has the hardest working and most dedicated team of professional roofers in South Florida. We will provide you a hassle-free experience that will be sure to leave you smiling.
Our work is guaranteed, and we’ll never hit you with hidden fees or delays. Give us a call, and let our team get you on your way to a more beautiful home!
To find out more about us and the various roofing services we offer, visit our site.
