Your roof is an important defense against the elements. But, like anything else, it will eventually succumb to wear and tear over time. Diligent preventative maintenance extends your roof’s lifespan.
Look for signs of water damage such as leaking shingles, discolored ceilings and walls, moss, standing water, and cracked tiles.
1. Trim Tree Branches
Trees are an essential part of every landscape, but they can pose a threat to your roof if they’re too close. Branches that hang over the roof should be trimmed regularly to prevent damage to your roof and keep pests away.
Branches that touch the roof or rub against it during storms can damage the shingles and cause cracks and holes. Keeping them trimmed will prevent these problems and prolong the life of your roof.
While you can try to prune the branches yourself, it’s best to hire a professional. They will have the equipment and experience to do the job safely and efficiently. Plus, if you make the wrong cut, the branch could fall on your house, causing serious damage.
A Certified Arborist can assess your trees and recommend the best trimming schedule for them. They will know how far a tree should be from your home and how to maintain it properly. They can also identify potential issues with a tree like fungus, rot, and leaning or swollen spots. These are all signs that a tree is becoming unstable and could potentially fall on your house during a storm. By getting these issues addressed quickly, you can minimize the risk to your home and your finances.
2. Clean the Gutters
A well-maintained gutter system is crucial for your roof’s longevity. Without regular cleaning, organic matter such as leaves, twigs and other debris can accumulate in the gutters and cause them to overflow. Clogged gutters can damage the roof, the fascia boards and even the foundation of your home if left unattended. Additionally, if a clogged gutter is not corrected in time, it can lead to water leaks that will damage the interior ceiling and may also create a mold problem in your house or commercial property.
Gutters are designed to efficiently funnel rain and snow away from the foundation of a building, so that it does not damage the structure or leak into the interior. Neglecting the gutters can lead to rusting and sagging of the gutters, which in turn will expose the roof to water damage. Clean the gutters regularly, especially in the spring and fall, to help ensure that the downspouts can manage rain flow. Additionally, you can install downspout extenders to help manage the flow of water and prevent standing water near the foundation. You can also take steps to avoid ice dams in the winter by periodically removing twigs and branches from overhanging trees, and installing electric heating cables along gutter edges that warm the surface and inhibit refreezing.
3. Inspect the Flashing
The flashing is the unsung hero of your roof, sealing vulnerable seams and penetrations to prevent water intrusion. If it is damaged, you could experience leaks and other serious problems that can damage your home. It is essential to inspect your flashing regularly and make repairs as needed.
Cracked or broken flashing is a clear sign that it is no longer providing an effective barrier against water infiltration. It can occur due to physical damage or inclement weather conditions. Loose flashing is another common problem. It can be caused by a variety of issues, including the screws that hold it in place loosening or pulling out of the wood framing underneath. It can also result from a loss of the bond between the caulking and the flashing.
The best way to check your flashing is to use a ladder and peer over the edge of your roof. You may be able to see signs of damage, such as rust or discoloration from this angle. However, if you aren’t comfortable climbing on the roof or your home is too large to view from below, you can have a professional do a thorough inspection of the flashing. They can spot small problems and provide solutions to extend the life of your roof.
4. Clean the Soffit
The soffit and fascia are vital to a home’s ventilation. Without a functioning soffit, moisture and mildew can build up in the attic and wood can rot. It is important to inspect these pieces of roof trim regularly and address any damage or wear promptly.
Cleaning soffits is fairly easy with a garden hose. Secure a ladder in a stable position and use the spray nozzle on your garden hose to wash away debris and dirt from the soffit. Make sure to use low pressure to avoid getting water into the soffit vents. If you are concerned about damaging the soffit or causing water damage to your gutter, consider using a soft washing technique or alternatively hire a professional power washer to clean your soffits.
Once the soffit is cleaned, it’s time to focus on eliminating any mould. For this, you will need a bucket of warm water and a solution of three parts bleach to one part warm water. Add detergent and mix well with a brush before scrubbing. If necessary, continue scrubbing until the soffit is free of mould. After the soffit is disinfected, rinse and let it dry. Inspect the soffit and fascia within a week to see if any traces of mold remain.
5. Inspect the Ventilation System
A well-ventilated roof is the foundation of your home’s energy efficiency. Improper ventilation leads to temperature fluctuations that spike heating and cooling costs. The best way to ensure that your home’s ventilation system is working properly is by inspecting it on a regular basis.
Inspecting the ventilation system can help you spot problems before they become worse. For example, if your attic feels excessively hot on a sunny day, it might indicate that there is insufficient ventilation. Insufficient ventilation can also cause moisture buildup, which can lead to mold growth and rotted wood.
If you’re not sure whether your roof is adequately ventilated, consult a professional roofing contractor. They can assess your attic’s size and design, and recommend a balanced ventilation system that is tailored to your roof’s specific needs.
Inspecting the ventilation system can also help you avoid costly water leaks. Make sure that the vents along your roof ridges and the intake vents near the soffits are not blocked by debris, insulation, or pests. Make sure that the airflow is uninterrupted, so that your home stays well-ventilated and your HVAC system doesn’t have to work overtime to maintain a stable indoor temperature. If you notice that the vents are obstructed, contact a professional roofing company to schedule an inspection.
6. Inspect the Attic
The attic plays a crucial role in roof preservation. It’s not only where leaks are most likely to show themselves, but it can also help ensure the longevity of your roofing materials by regulating humidity levels and maximizing energy efficiency.
During an attic inspection, a professional will look for signs of rot, moisture, and mold growth that can negatively impact the structure of your home. They’ll also inspect the condition of the framing, sheathing, and trusses, and evaluate the effectiveness of the insulation and ventilation systems.
An expert will use a flashlight to check for sagging areas or other evidence of water intrusion, including stains, musty smells, and discolored drywall. They’ll also examine the vents, chimney, and skylights for problems that could allow water to infiltrate your home.
Moisture and moisture buildup in the attic can lead to wood rot, mold growth, and structural damage to your home’s frame. To prevent this, it’s vital to have a well-functioning attic that is adequately ventilated. A good attic ventilation system can reduce air temperatures, eliminate condensation, and minimize the risk of leaks. To prevent the accumulation of moisture in the attic, you should have at least one square foot of free attic ventilation for every 150 square feet of roof area.