Do-it-yourself Tips For Roof Maintenance
A roof is a key component of any structure, and maintaining it on a regular basis is critical to keeping it in good condition. While roofing professionals discourage homeowners from taking on major roof repairs due to the dangerous nature of such work, routine maintenance tasks are not difficult if done with safety in mind.
Twice per year, homeowners should not only inspect their roofs, looking for potential problem areas, but they should also perform routine tasks that help keep the roofing material and structure intact. Severe weather, encroaching tree branches, and regular wear and tear take a toll on the average roof. Often, simple do-it-yourself measures can correct the problems that result. Homeowners who are unable to negotiate a ladder or unwilling to work on dangerous roofing surfaces can always call on Cherry Hill roofers professionals to do the necessary work.
A dependable ladder and non-slip shoes are absolute requirements for do-it-yourself roof maintenance. When setting up the ladder, make sure it is placed securely on level ground at an angle that is not likely to tip backwards. Experts recommend that the bottom of the ladder should be one foot back from the wall for every four feet of roof height. Make sure that another person in the home or yard is within shouting distance to render assistance if needed.
If any shingles are dislodged or missing, they should be replaced. Homeowners should keep some extra shingles on hand that match the existing roofing for just this purpose. If the corners of any shingles are coming loose, tacking them back down with a roofing nail or two saves them from being blown away in the next windstorm.
Once loose roofing is secured, the next maintenance task is cleaning. Moss, mold and mildew can accumulate and should be removed so that they do not damage the roof materials. The best strategy is to use a commercial product designed specifically for moss removal, and then sweeping away the detritus with a broom. Some homeowners prefer pressure washing, but this can damage or dislodge shingles.
Homeowners should also clean the gutters and downspouts that channel water from the roof away from the home’s foundation. Gutters that are clogged can back up onto the roof’s fascia boards, causing deterioration. Downspouts that are filled with debris cause water overflow from the gutters and dripping near the foundation, which damages it. After removing all of the leaves, twigs and other materials that have collected in the roof’s drainage system, flushing out the downspouts with a garden hose will make way for proper drainage.
Should the paint on the roof’s fascia be chipped or peeling, sanding and repainting these areas helps keep the wood sealed and the home looking nice. The area adjacent to the fascia, called the soffit, is also prone to moisture damage and if there appears to be a problem, repainting or resealing is necessary.
Should any of these roof maintenance tasks be too difficult for the do-it-yourselfer, calling upon professional help is a wise decision. Some roofs are too high or too complex for the homeowner to safely maintain them. The roofing experts at Fortified Roofing of Cherry Hill NJ can assist you with any questions regarding gutters or a roof repair.
Term & definition explained by Fortified Roofing, Cherry Hill NJ:
Soffit
The soffit is the underside of the eaves that is visible from ground level. Homeowners finish the soffit with a sealant, such as paint or stain, that helps protect it against moisture and insect damage.
Cherry Hill roofing contractor Fortified Roofing answers a commonly asked question:
What should I do if my rain gutters are leaking?
Rain gutter leakage can be caused by several problems. If gutters are not properly installed to facilitate drainage, they may accumulate water that eventually overflows. Gutters should slope downward one inch for every 15 to 20 feet of length. Another common source of leaking is the gutter joints, and simply reapplying silicone caulking will help seal these sources of leakage.
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