Top Maintenance Tips for your Roof

In a time when many homeowners are cutting back on the household budget, it’s important to stay proactive about the home care requirements that can harm your wallet in the long term. For example, you may not think much of your roof because it just one of those things that we tend not to think about until there’s a problem.

 

Top Maintenance Tips for your Roof
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However, issues such as leaks and saggy spots can slowly take a toll on your bank account. In order to prevent these types of ugly situations from happening to begin with, it’s important to keep on top of preventive maintenance. 

Rooftop maintenance is designed to prolong the life of your roof. Here are top tips and recommendations from expert Frisco roofer on how to keep your roof safe, clean, and dry all year round.

1.Check for Missing Shingles

One of the most important things to look for when inspecting your roof is missing shingles. Asphalt shingles are designed to be layered on top of each other and help the water run down the roof without getting underneath. However, once a shingle is missing, water can leak through to the wood and cause damage. 

You should inspect your roof during the day when there is plenty of light and after it has rained or snowed as that will let you see where water is collecting and so indicating a problem.

2. Remove Debris and Clear Gutters

Any leaves or other debris accumulated over the winter months should be removed from the roof. Left on your roof they will cause water to pool, leading to damage. 

Debris can quickly accumulate in gutters throughout the year, and when they get clogged, the problems begin to happen. If your gutters are clogged, rainwater will not drain off your roof correctly, which can then lead to leaks and water damage inside your home.

3. Inspect the Flashing

Flashing is the material that keeps water from seeping under your shingles and causing damage to your home. Flashing is installed in valleys and around anything that protrudes from your roofs, such as a chimney or skylight. Its sole purpose is to prevent leaks, which can cause severe damage to your home. 

While you’re inspecting your roof, take a look at the flashing condition. If it’s cracked or worn away, water will be able to get under the shingles and into the structure of your house.  

Most flashing today is made of galvanized steel, aluminum, or copper, and if it’s in good shape when you have your roof inspected, it should last for years before needing repair or replacement.

4. Clean and Reseal Skylights

Skylights are a great way to bring natural light into your home, but they can pose a problem if not maintained correctly. To avoid potential water damage, it’s best to clean and reseal your skylights every few years. It is also an excellent opportunity to inspect the flashing around the skylight for wear and tear. 

The first step is removing any debris accumulated around the skylight. If you have a wood-framed skylight, use a utility knife to cut away any caulk separated from the frame.  

It’s best to work in small sections to get the tightest seal possible. Use a putty knife to scrape away the old caulk before applying the new caulk with a caulking gun.

5.  Look for Moss Deposits That Need Removing

Moss is a living organism that grows on your roof when it’s damp. It can also grow underneath shingles. Mossy roofs are not only unattractive to look at, but it can also cause damage to the roof if not removed on a regular basis. 

To clean the moss of your roof, use a pressure washer, followed by a chemical cleaner specifically made for removing moss from roofs. The chemical cleaner will kill any remaining moss and prevent regrowth.

6. Keep Trees and Shrubs Trimmed

Keeping trees and shrubs trimmed and well clear of the roof will help keep it in good shape. If your landscape is overgrown, have it trimmed away from your house to prevent damage to your roof. Large branches or clumps of leaves from these plants can scratch the surface of your shingles, causing them to wear more quickly.

7. Hire a Professional to Inspect your Roof Annually

A professional roofer will use state-of-the-art equipment to check your roof for missing, damaged, or deteriorated shingles that might need to be replaced. They will also inspect the flashing and gutters to make sure there are no leaks or problems that could cause damage inside your home. 

An annual inspection may cost a few hundred dollars but it could add years of life to your roof, saving you money in the long term. An experienced roofing pro can identify minor problems before they become big issues, saving you a fortune in costly repairs down the road.

How frequently should you inspect your roof? 

Many factors determine how often to inspect your roof. The most significant factor is the weather in your area. If you’ve had heavy snow, strong winds or heavy rain, an inspection will not only identify issues that can be quicky fixed but it will also give you peace of mind knowing that the roof is correctly protecting your home. 

Takeaway

In summary, regular roof maintenance will pay for itself in the long run if you can avoid major repairs down the road. At a minimum, you should be checking for missing or damaged shingles and flashing issues, damaged fasteners or flashing around chimneys, and other problems that may cause water damage to your property. Additionally, you should schedule a professional inspection at least once a year.