Performing regular roof inspections and maintenance can prevent the need for expensive repairs from issues like water leaks and even the early replacement of your entire roof.
There are some aspects of roof maintenance you can do yourself and others that you should leave to professional roofers for best results.
Here is a checklist of what you should do during roofing maintenance and how often you should do it.
What Is Roof Maintenance?
Roof maintenance is periodically checking the condition of your overall roof and any vulnerable areas that are susceptible to problems. Regular roofing maintenance is the best way to keep track of your roof's age and when it's time for a roof replacement.
Depending on what kind of roofing material you have, you may need annual, biannual, or quarterly maintenance. But the general guideline is to get yearly roof maintenance checks.
Roof Maintenance Checklist
Here is a list of annual and semiannual tasks to help keep your roof in good working order.
If you have an asphalt shingle roof, you should limit foot traffic as much as you can to avoid wearing away the protective granules on the shingles.
As always, if you are uncomfortable with navigating your roof, hiring a professional roofer for roof maintenance services is the best way to protect your safety and keep your roof in top condition.
Check Your Shingles
First, you should periodically check your shingles for damage, especially after a heavy storm or high winds. You don't have to climb a ladder to do this—with a good pair of binoculars, you can check for damage from the ground.
Here's what you should look for:
Missing shingles
Curling shingles
Cracked shingles
Peeling flashing
Missing granules
If you notice any of these signs, you should contact a roofing contractor who can perform the necessary roof repairs.
Get a Professional Roof Inspection
Since it's not a great idea for the average homeowner to go onto their roof, it's best to leave it to a professional.
Experienced roofers will be able to safely examine your roof to spot any potential problems you might've missed and provide you with valuable tips for maintaining your roof.
Roof inspectors can also estimate how many more years your roof will last.
It's recommended to have a roof inspection at least once a year to identify potential issues before they become more costly repairs.
Clean and Maintain Your Gutters
To keep your gutters functioning properly and directing water away from your home and foundation, they need to be free of leaves, sticks, and other debris.
If you don't have trees around your home, you should clean your gutters at least twice a year to keep water flowing through them. If you do have trees on your property or live in an area prone to severe storms, you should clean your gutters four times a year.
Remove Debris From Your Roof
Your gutters won't catch all the leaves and debris that may land on your roof, especially after a heavy storm. To prevent the growth of moss, lichen, and algae, all of which can rot your shingles and lead to water damage, you should check your roof often for debris and clear it away.
Wash Your Roof
Your roof should be cleaned annually. If it's not, you'll start to notice long, dark streaks flowing from peak to eave. This is algae, and left long enough, it can rot your shingles.
To wash your roof, spray it with a 50-50 mixture of water and bleach. The bleach will kill the algae, but installing copper strips beneath your roof's peak is also a good idea. When it rains, the copper molecules will stream down your roof, preventing algae regrowth.
Look For Signs of Animal Intrusion
Your attic is the perfect place for squirrels, raccoons, and other small animals looking to burrow. They can cause roof leaks, chew on electrical wiring, and create biohazards with their waste.
Animals usually access your attic through your roof, so you should check for holes and missing shingles, especially on the edges of your roof.
Why Is Roof Maintenance Important?
It Prevents Future Problems
By scheduling regular roof maintenance services, you can identify small problems that can turn into big ones. A few compromised shingles now can turn into major water damage in the interior of your home in the span of a few months.
It Maximizes the Lifespan of Your Roof
Roofing maintenance also protects the investment you've made in your roof and helps it last as long as possible. Asphalt roofs should last around 22-25 years, and regular maintenance helps you get the maximum amount of years from your roof.
It Gives You Peace of Mind
Roof inspections and maintenance can either help you resolve problems before they cause damage or reassure you that your roof is in good working order. So when the next storm hits, you can relax, knowing your roof will protect you.
Contact Northpoint Roofing For a Roof Inspection
Even if you have perfectly followed our roof maintenance checklist, chances are that you will still face problems with your roof at some point. To ensure that your roof protects you for years to come, choose an experienced roofing company for annual roof inspections. At Northpoint Roofing, our team has extensive experience identifying even hidden roof issues and providing general roof repair, storm damage roof repair, roof replacement, and more.
If it has been longer than a year since your last roof inspection or a severe storm has recently hit your area, contact us today to schedule a free drone roof inspection.