Roofing Maintenance Tips For Homeowners and Contractors
Whether you’re a homeowner or roofing contractor, committing to regular maintenance is critical. It nips problems in the bud and keeps your home safe and comfortable.
Typical maintenance tasks include inspecting the field of the roof for leaks and checking the flashing around penetrations such as skylights, chimneys and vents to ensure proper sealant. It also includes cleaning the gutters and removing debris. Uncover more at https://www.corpuschristiroofingco.com/.
As your roof is one of the most important components of your home, it’s important that you keep an eye on it to make sure it is in good condition. A well-maintained roof is able to protect the interior of your home from moisture and other damage, and it can also boost your home’s resale value. However, finding roof damage before it becomes a major problem isn’t always easy. Luckily, you can learn how to inspect your roof for damage so you can take steps to fix it.
Start by doing a visual inspection of your roof from the ground level both before and after a storm. Look for any shingle granules that have fallen off (this is a sign of deterioration). Also look for shingle areas that are curled up or missing. Inspect the gutters, fascia and soffit for damage or leaks as well. Also, pay attention to where the shingles meet the wall, as this is an area that can be vulnerable to water penetration.
Next, check the flashing (the thin metal pieces that go around skylights and up against walls as well as down roof valleys) for rust or other signs of damage. These are another common cause of leaks and should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent water from getting into your home. Check for gaps around roof penetrations, such as vent pipes or chimneys, as these are also common causes of leaks.
Leaks are a common and expensive roofing issue, so it’s important that you know how to spot them. During your inspection, you should also look for water stains on the ceiling inside your home, as these are signs of roof leaks. If you find any, then you should trace the stains to see where the leak is coming from.
If you notice any damage to your roof, then it’s a good idea to hire a professional roofing contractor to perform a full inspection and repair any problems. A professional can help you save money in the long run by fixing any issues before they become worse and also preventing you from having to spend more on costly repairs down the road.
Clean the Gutters
Gutter cleaning is an important part of roof maintenance. Clogged gutters cause water to overflow and back up onto the roof, causing shingle damage and creating a damp environment that encourages mold growth. Gutters also direct rainwater away from the foundation of your home, which prevents basement flooding and protects the foundation from moisture damage.
Keeping your gutters clean helps to extend the life of your roofing system and protects your landscaping, siding, and basement from water damage. Gutter cleaning is a simple task that can be done by hand or with a gutter scoop or wet/dry vac. If you choose to do it by hand, it’s best to work on a clear day with mild temperatures and no wind. A ladder with a spotter is recommended to help you stay safe. Avoid leaning your ladder on the gutters themselves, which can damage them.
If you’re unable or prefer not to do the job yourself, you can hire a professional to clean the gutters for you. Ensure that the contractor you hire is insured and licensed, and has extensive experience in both commercial and residential roof maintenance. A contractor with a solid reputation will be more likely to provide you with a quality service, and won’t charge an arm and a leg.
To keep your gutters clean, trim back any overhanging branches that may drop leaves and twigs into the gutter. You can also install gutter guards to reduce the frequency of cleaning and make the task easier.
If you’re comfortable working from a ladder, you can use a wet/dry vacuum or leaf blower attachment to suck up the debris and dispose of it. You can also use a garden hose to flush the gutters and downspouts, which can dislodge larger clogs and wash away small ones. It’s a good idea to do a final inspection once the gutters are cleaned to ensure no debris is left behind. This will allow you to schedule future cleanings at the best time of year for your area, such as in spring and fall when leaves and other debris tend to accumulate most rapidly.
Trim the Trees
Trees add beauty and value to your home, but if they are overgrown or hanging over the roof, they may cause damage. Trees should be trimmed regularly to reduce the risk of damage from limbs and branches. Branches that hang over the roof rub against the shingles and erode their protection, and they also prevent the proper runoff of precipitation. Additionally, they can become a harbor for organic debris such as pine needles and leaves, which can trap water and lead to leaks and other problems.
Overhanging branches can also provide an easy access point for rodents to get onto the roof, where they can chew shingles and other materials or nest. The best way to protect your roof is to trim the limbs and keep them at least ten feet away from the roof surface.
Trimming trees is a complex process, and it should be done by trained professionals. A qualified arborist can take a look at the overall health of the tree and recommend steps to support its growth while also prioritizing roof and property safety.
Algae and moss thrive in the shade and damp conditions provided by overhanging limbs, and they can discolor and stain roofing materials over time. Regular trimming can help to minimize their growth, as well as the spread of other harmful organisms like lichen.
While some fungus and molds are beneficial to the garden, they can be destructive to roofs, and they should be removed as soon as they appear. The good news is that a professional can safely remove these organisms from the roof and spray the surrounding areas to kill any remaining spores.
The word “trim” derives from the Old English word trymman, which means to make firm or arrange. A healthy and well-maintained roof paired with beautiful landscaping and well-trimmed trees is the key to a complete, attractive home. When you maintain these essential features, they will support the advertised life of your roof and protect your property for years to come.
Repair Shingles
A cracked shingle is a serious problem for a roof, and one that should be repaired immediately. Cracked shingles are not only unsightly, they compromise the waterproof barrier of the roof and allow moisture into the home. Repairing a crack in a shingle is simple and relatively inexpensive, but doing nothing will lead to further problems and cost you more in the long run.
First, gather your materials and equipment. You will need a ladder, pry bar, hammer and utility knife (along with replacement shingles if needed). Using proper roofing safety precautions is vital; make sure you use a sturdy stepladder to get on the roof, a good pair of work gloves and non-slip boots to keep your footing. A hard hat and safety harness should also be worn, particularly if the roof has a steep pitch or is over two stories high.
Before beginning, remove any overlapping shingles from the area around the damaged shingle. This will prevent unnecessary damage to the intact shingles and make it easier to access the nail that holds the damaged shingle in place. Then, begin to loosen the shingle by sliding a flat pry bar underneath it. This will break the asphalt sealant that holds it in place, allowing you to lift it and expose the nails. Repeat this process for all shingles above and below the damaged shingle.
Once you have loosened the shingles above and below, carefully pull up the damaged shingle. Be careful not to pull up the adjacent shingles as well, but don’t worry too much if you do — they can be re-nailed to the roof deck later.
If you find a nail that is exposed, remove it with a hammer. Put a thick bead of sealant under the damaged shingle and press it down to re-seal the area. If you have any colored granules left from the original shingles or crushed up granules from the gutter, sprinkle them over the sealant to camouflage the repairs. Let the sealant dry for 24 hours. If you have to replace the shingle, do so carefully and secure it with a nail that is properly driven in at a slight angle.