Top Maintenance Tips to Make Your Roof Last as Long as Possible

Roof maintenance is an excellent way of keeping your roof in tip-top condition. By conducting it regularly, your roof’s lifespan will be prolonged, and there will be fewer unnecessary repairs or premature replacement costs in the future. 

But what does roof maintenance actually entail? What can you, as a homeowner, do to keep your roof in good condition and ensure prolonged safety for you and your family?

In this article, we bring you some of the best tips, crucial things to look out for, and easy maintenance tasks that will let you enjoy your roof for a long time to come. Read on!

Conduct a Complete Visual Check

The first, most important, as well as fairly easy task you can do on your own is to check for any obvious damage on your roof. Conduct a visual examination, but only from the ground. This way, you will notice some of the biggest and most visible damages that you can then report back to your contractor.

Climbing on top of the roof is never a good idea if you’re not a professional roofer with adequate safety gear. It is best to leave this task to a professional and avoid any potential risks or injuries. 

To avoid costly repairs, make sure to do a routine inspection of your home at least two times each year (seasonally). If there is visible damage, such as worn-out, cracked, or missing shingles, it is best to hire a roofer that will replace them quickly. Don’t forget to regularly check your roof after bad weather and storms, as well.

Pay Attention to Discolorations Due to Sun Exposure

Pay attention to the color of the roof as it can give you hints on where the potential damage is. For instance, if the northern part of the roof is in the shade for long periods of time, it can become streaked with mold or algae. When left untreated, mold and algae may cause further structural damage and even shorten the lifespan of your roof.

Likewise, too much sun exposure can also have a significant impact on your roof. Over time, the sun’s rays and the excessive heat can cause the shingles to fade and become worn out, which, in turn, may result in decreased protection and leaks. 

Therefore, it is crucial to inspect your shingles regularly, especially if you live in an area that gets a lot of sun year-round. And it may be a good idea to invest in high-quality shingles with increased resistance to weathering and sun damage.

Conduct a Thorough Check for Leaks

Another important thing to be on the lookout for are leaks on your roof. Some of the most common causes of leaks are worn out, broken, or missing shingles. A water leak can also be hidden and develop slowly, so it may be hard to spot it at first.

When checking for leaks, the first place to look is your attic, as it is located right beneath the roof. Your roofer will advise you on the best course of action to repair the leak depending on the type of leak that you are experiencing.

As previously mentioned, leaks may develop slowly and not be immediately apparent. They can travel from the roof to the interior of your home and cause damage to your ceilings and walls this way.  If not found and fixed on time, the damage will only grow worse. 

Therefore, check for signs of bubbling paint, stained ceilings, moisture, mildew, algae, moss, and fungus. These are some of the main signs that you have a leak, so give your contractor a call as soon as you notice any of them.

Inspect the Roof Ventilation and Insulation

Improper roof ventilation, as well as the lack of roof and attic insulation, can cause your roof to succumb to serious damages. Ventilation and insulation are crucial parts of your home and roofing system, because they ensure good airflow and protect your home from moisture buildup, roof overheating, mold, and mildew. In the long run, they also help to reduce your monthly heating and cooling bills.

For these reasons, it is important to inspect both the roof ventilation and roof insulation regularly. Call your roofer if you notice any issues and if you currently don’t have ventilation and insulation, we highly recommend getting them installed.

Don’t Forget the Gutters and Downspouts

Gutters and downspouts are among those parts of the roof and home that may sometimes get overlooked. However, they play a very important part in leak and water damage prevention, so make sure to include them in your regular roof inspections.

Branches, leaves, and other debris may build up in gutters and clog them, which is one of the most common issues that homeowners face. Clogged gutters and downspouts retain water and prevent it from being drained away properly, which may ultimately lead to leaks. 

In addition to that, gutters may become loose or broken, especially after storms and hail, so pay attention to that as well, and call your contractor at the first sign of issues.

Check for Structural Damage on the Chimney

If you notice cracks, missing bricks, or peeled, broken, and loose flashing on your chimney, act on it right away. Structural damage on the chimney may cause bricks to fall off or completely collapse, which is not only a structural but also a safety issue.

In addition to that, missing or broken flashing around the chimney will allow water to seep into the roof structure and inside your home. This may result in leaks and serious water damages to your property. Calling your roofer as soon as you notice these issues is the best thing you could do to prevent any further issues. 

Trim the Trees Around the House

It is also important to regularly cut the leaves and branches that hang over your roof. Trimming your trees can reduce the amount of debris that falls onto your roof and into the gutters and improve the overall health of your roof.

It is important to remove any debris from the roof, gutters, and downspouts after you trim the trees. You can do this by hand (make sure to wear gloves) or with a garden tool such as a leaf blower.

Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection

Fortified Roofing is your best residential roofing partner for roof installation and tear-off. We will help you identify any potential problems that your roof is experiencing and come up with the most cost-effective solution for you. So, if you’ve noticed any issues with your roof, don’t hesitate to contact us!

Whether you need an extra tip on maintaining your roof in excellent condition, a professional estimate, or a new roof, we are just one call away! Get in touch with us and schedule a free inspection today.