Known to roofing contractors as reactive maintenance, a common approach to property care is to do repairs after it’s broken or something is not working properly. When it concerns your roofing system, this is not a very cost-effective approach. Small problems can become big problems very quickly. Keep your roof healthy and prolong its lifespan with a more proactive approach that includes things such as regular gutter cleaning and roof inspections.
Good Roof Habits
While doing spring home maintenance this year, keep the following general tips in mind:
- Don’t walk on the roof (unless you really have to)
- Address leaks, missing shingles, and storm damage promptly
- Use non-evasive tools and cleaning products on shingles and other roofing components
- Trim back tree limbs growing too close
- Check the health of all trees on your property that grow within falling distance of the roof
Happy Gutters, Happy Roof
When the gutters are free of debris and in good repair, your roof is protected from leaks, overflowing runoff, wood rot, mold, and structural damage. Thoroughly clean the gutter system. During your spring home maintenance, schedule gutter cleaning mid-season or once the blossoms have fallen from the branches. Check the downspouts for blockages. Ensure downpipes are securely fastened to gutter outlets and the exterior walls.
Roof Inspections – Not Optional
The cornerstone of proactive roof maintenance is regular roof inspections. Roof inspections fall into two main categories, professional and homeowner.
Professional Roof Inspections
A professional roof inspection is a detailed assessment and examination of a roof’s current condition. After the inspection has been completed, a roofing contractor will give you a report that outlines the condition of the roof, what needs to be repaired, and includes any suggestions on how structure and functionality can be improved. If the roof hasn’t been inspected by a professional roofing contractor within the last two years (or more) schedule one by the end of this year.
Homeowner Roof Inspections
Homeowner roof inspections play an important role in proactive roof maintenance. A lot can happen between gutter cleanings – the most likely times you will notice missing shingles or damp patches when it hasn’t rained in a while. Use binoculars from the ground or safely standing on a ladder. Look for the following:
- Missing asphalt shingles
- Cracked, curling, or worn shingles
- Damp patches
- Textured damp patches with pointy tendrils (start of moss growth)
- Loose hardware/raised nail heads
- Damaged flashing
- Debris accumulation around roof protrusions and in roof valleys
Conduct homeowner roof inspections once every four months (when the seasons change) and after a heavy rainfall and/or active storms. If your roof experiences one or any combination of the above, deal with the issue as soon as possible. Prioritize repairs, particularly if you have to hire someone – top of this list should be leaks, moss removal, and any other concerns involving water/excess moisture.
Soffit and Fascia
Soffit and fascia are important components of a roofing system. Soffit panels close off the underside of the eaves, the part of the roof that forms the overhang. While they are somewhat protected from the elements, soffits are still prone to wear and tear – cracking and fading if made of vinyl and wood rot if manufactured from wood. When inspecting vented soffit make sure holes or slots are free of dirt and debris.
Standard residential gutters are typically attached to the fascia boards of a home’s exterior. They cover the ends of the rafters, preventing water from entering into the attic or the inside of the house. Because fascia needs to be strong and in good condition to support the gutter system, examine it from time to time for cracks, warping or displaying other signs of damage, including wood rot.
Chimneys, Vents, Skylights
Check any roof protrusions such as chimneys, vents, skylights, dormer windows, and other installations to ensure that flashings are not worn or damaged, and they are properly sealed. Also look for signs of dirty vents; clear away any debris that is blocking openings. When flashings and roof protrusions aren’t well-maintained, moisture can form leaks or allow mold and mildew growth, compromising a roof’s protective qualities.
