Out-of-sight-out-of-mind is a dangerous game to play with your roof. Exposed to the elements 24/7 year-round, it can take a beating. Summer is an ideal time to get your roof in shape.
Cleaning Off the Roof
Keep the roof free of debris. Just like the gutters, a roof can be a great collector of leaves, pine needles, twigs, balls and other miscellaneous unexpected items. When using a broom or a rake, don’t press down.
Helpful hint: Don’t use a pressure washer – it can dislodge the granules from roofing tiles, force water in behind fascia boards and soffit panels, and do further damage to worn shingles.
Inspecting the Roof
Since a roof’s temperature is often higher than ground and air temperatures, this can make an asphalt roof more susceptible to damage when walked upon. Plan to conduct your roof inspection early in the morning or use binoculars first.
Look for:
- debris build-up in valleys and around flashings
- loose roofing shingles
- loose flashings
- damaged shingles
- damaged shingles around roof protrusions such as dormer windows, skylights, etc.
- stained shingles, soft spots, and wet patches that don’t dry up 36 hours after a rainfall
- worn, damaged and/or water stained soffit and fascia
Helpful hint: After inspecting the roof, if you do need to make any repairs, plan on getting them done while the weather is still cooperating. Roofers and gutter contractors tend to be less busy during the summer months.
What are the Gutters Up To?
Inspect the gutters for any damage like dents, worn hardware, or leaking seams. Also look for leftover nests, evidence of insect infestation, and other signs of life (plant or animal) in the gutter system, including the downspouts. If you discover any residue, dead blossoms, and twig bits in the gutter channels, rinse out gently with a garden hose.
Helpful hint: Trim back any trees growing close to the house. This will help reduce the amount of debris deposited into the gutters or onto the roof.
Adding New Elements
Hire a contractor if you are thinking about adding a skylight, some dormer windows or decorative-detailed fascia. Depending on the project, cutting into the layers of a roof or piercing its surface with nails can prove challenging to even an experienced do-it-yourselfer.
Helpful hint: Get three estimates from roofing contractors – it will help you decide on who will be the best fit for your project.
