Regular inspections are required for proper roof care. Seasonal or yearly inspections will extend the life of your roof, eliminating leaks that cause damage, expensive repairs, and — horrors! — the need for a full roof replacement.
We decided to put up a quick list of roof care suggestions to assist you in spotting problems and extending the life of your roof.
Roofs are built to withstand (literally) any storm, but there will be some wear and tear. So, make sure your roof is ready for the next big storm by following these roof protection guidelines.
Examine Your Shingles
Check your roof shingles once a year, especially after severe weather. But keep in mind that it’s not simply wind and rain that might cause damage to your roof. Sunlight’s ultraviolet rays can potentially cause havoc over time. So, as part of your monthly roof inspections, make sure to inspect your shingles to ensure they’re still correctly fitted and functioning as they should.
Clear Clogged Gutters
Many of us are familiar with the issues that clogged gutters can cause, such as rotting wood and bubbling wall paint. However, blocked gutters can get so jammed with debris that rain washes up instead of down. Water can corrode the roof and the support beams that hold it up over time. Before the spring and fall seasons, clean your gutters and cleanouts.
Look For Moss
Although moss offers color and a lovely woodland aspect to your roof, the harm it does is far from magical. Moss, if allowed to grow unchecked, will harm all types of roofs, including asphalt, wood, and concrete. Moss develops between the tiles. It will bulk up over time and actually move the shingles away from the roof, allowing water to enter. Furthermore, the moss itself holds water, which means wood rot and leaks are frequently not far behind. You need to ensure that you or someone you hire removes the moss as soon you notice it. This will help your roof avoid any damage.
You’ll need to scrub the moss away (or hire someone to do it for you). So keep an eye out for moss! We recommend sprinkling zinc sulfate granules on the roof on a regular and seasonal basis. This is used to keep moss at bay.
Caulk The Flashings
Flashings are metal strips (typically lead, galvanized metal, and aluminum) that run around the edges or joints of a roof. Flashing is required to redirect or keep water out of difficult spots that shingles cannot cover, such as roof penetrations where kitchen and bathroom pipes/vents reach out through the roof’s surface. In addition, flashing is used around valleys, chimneys, skylights, and walls. Flashing can separate, lift, fracture or rust depending on how it was built. This is a good indication that a critical piece of roof protection is no longer performing effectively. Consider using caulk to seal the flashing where it has become unstuck.
When it comes to your roof, you need to ensure that you are doing your due diligence to avoid costly repairs. If you have a problem with your roof, you should have it taken care of right away, as problems never get smaller.