No one looks forward to the day a leaky roof shows itself. Roof repairs can be daunting, confusing, and expensive, but thankfully there are several things homeowners can do to maintain their roof and delay the need for repairs as long as possible. From routinely inspecting the shingles, to cleaning your gutters periodically, here are the top 5 roof maintenance tips to help you keep your roof in good shape!
1. Regularly Inspect Your Shingles
Your shingles are the gateway to your roof and your home. When they are in great condition, it’s likely that the rest of your roof is as well. This is why routine inspections are so important. If you find cracks, chips in your shingles, or places where they are missing, a roof repair is necessary to fix the problem before it gets worse. When shingles are left in this condition too long, it opens up your roof to the potential of leaks, water damage, and more shingle damage that will become more costly to repair in the future.
Do you notice asphalt granules in your gutter? If you notice that the granules from your shingles seem to be coming off quickly and are collecting in your gutter then a great roof maintenance tip would be to get your roof inspected to find out the expected life your roof has left. More about granules in step 4.
2. Brush Off Debris
While you are up on your roof, it’s important to brush off the debris that may have accumulated. Loose brush and debris can build up and cause water to become stagnant on your roof. This will lead to water damage. Removing it will help your roof stay in top condition as long as possible. A common spot to check for roof debris would be behind your chimney if wider than 30 inches. If your chimney is wider than 30 inches and doesn't have a cricket, then debris is likely to build up here. A great roof maintenance tip would be to check for debris here.
3. Check Your Roof For Moss As Part Of Routine Roof Maintenance
Moss loves to take root on roofs, especially in the damp conditions that Roanoke rainstorms present throughout the year. While looking at your roof, look for any signs of moss, or other green plants, that may be showing through the cracks of your shingles, or anywhere else on your roof. If you find moss growing, it’s important to remove it quickly. Moss left unchecked can quickly take over an entire roof, at which point a roof replacement becomes necessary.
4. Check Gutters For Shingle Granules
After you’ve checked your shingles, it is important to check the gutters for any excess shingle granules that may have fallen off. When shingles shed too many granules, they eventually need to be repaired, because missing granules leave shingles susceptible to UV damage over time.
5. Clean Out Your Gutters As Part Of Your Routine Roof Maintenance
Finally, when doing your roofing maintenance, don’t forget about your gutters. While this can be a dirty job, it’s crucial to the health of your roof. Clogged gutters can fill up, and allow water to seep into the layers of your roof, instead of being diverted away from your home and drained in a safe location. Making sure your gutters stay clean can add years of life to your roof.
Cenvar Roofing
No matter how much DIY maintenance you perform on your roof, there will be times when you need a professional inspection or repair. In these instances, Cenvar Roofing is your answer! We are a regional roofing company located throughout central Virginia with experience in all types of roof repairs and replacements. Visit our website to find the branch nearest you and schedule an estimate today!
