Tags: Roofing, Inspection, Repair
Similar to changing air filters and cutting the lawn, roofing maintenance is an essential aspect of home ownership. If the roof is not well maintained, damage will pile up and result in the roof needing massive repairs or a complete replacement. Thankfully, whether you just purchased your home or have had it for decades, learning about roof maintenance is never too late.
It is recommended that you call an expert for expertise and safety reasons; however, there is a lot you can do yourself to extend the life of your roof, provided you are somewhat skilled and comfortable with getting on the roof. Below are some DIY roofing maintenance tips from a local roofer you can take advantage of in between professional upkeep:
• Inspect Shingles Regularly
Regularly inspecting roof shingles is among the easiest tasks for homeowners and inspecting the shingles could start from the ground. Get into the routine of regularly observing the shingles that can be seen from the ground and carefully examine how they look. Is there any shingle that appears to be damaged? Is there any area that looks streaky? Once the assessment has be done from the ground, inspecting from the roof would be the next obvious step. This is because there could be damaged areas that cannot be seen from the ground.
• Check for Shingle Debris in the Gutters
Checking the gutters specifically for excessive amounts of debris from shingles is extremely essential. If large quantities of shingle granules are located in the gutters, this could be an indication that the shingles are close to the end of their beneficial lifespan. If the majority of granules are gone from the shingles, this means they will be vulnerable to harmful UV rays. This will result in them cracking and causing the roof to leak and potentially cause damage to the inside of the home.
• Remove Debris
Getting rid of twigs, leaves and other accumulated debris from the roof is another vital roof maintenance task. Special attention should be paid to valleys and spaces behind skylights and chimneys since debris typically accumulate there. Getting it cleaned is a simple undertaking that could make a massive difference in enabling water to freely drain off the roof.
A leaf blower would be a great tool to use for this project. Those who do not own a leaf blower could sweep off the debris with a broom. Using a soft household broom to sweep the debris gently in the direction of the shingles is best as this safeguards against breakage. Do not use a power washer as this process subject shingles to great force that could cause severe damage or completely dislodge the shingles.
• Look for Moss and Eliminate it
When inspecting the roof, make sure that you check for the existence of green growth such as moss. This is vital as moss is exceptionally dangerous for roofing since once it takes root, it very rapidly spreads and results in the lifting of the shingles. If it is left untreated, moss can rapidly cause damage that is so widespread a complete roof replacement would be required. However, when detected in its early stage, moss can be removed using a soft scrub brush and water. Make sure that you scrub away the moss at a downward angle as this will safeguard the shingles against damage.
• Check the Attic Regularly for Leaks
Regularly checking the attic for leaks is another vital aspect of roofing maintenance. Water damage is sometimes not quite visible from the ground or the roof; however, it can be detected when you look for puddles, moisture or discoloration in the attic. Should any of these signs be discovered, it will be time for an expert roof inspection and repair.
While carrying out regular maintenance tasks will go a far way in ensuring the roof is kept in a remarkable state, even the most well-maintained roof will eventually end up having certain issues. Therefore, if you detect any signs of wear and tear of the shingles, attic leaks, gutter damage or other types of damage on the roof, getting a roofing professional involved would be the smart thing to do.
A reputable roofing professional has many years of experience in diagnosing and providing solutions roofing problems and he or she has almost certainly seen it all. Roofing professionals are knowledgeable about identifying the very root of the problem. He or she can provide you with a solution that will expertly handle not only the symptoms of the issue but the cause as well.