The roof can take a beating after heavy rains and snowfall. It can also get damaged by strong winds and thermal expansion. As an owner, you need to take care of your roof so that it can continue to take care of you. Keep it in its best condition so that it can shield you against the elements and protect the rest of the home. Maintenance work requires consistency in order to be effective. Make it a habit to focus on your roof once or twice a year, preferably in the summer when the weather is favorable. Perform the following during roof maintenance or whenever you see the need:
1. Remove roof debris.
According to this site, the roof may be high up the ground up you might still find debris on there because of the wind. Leaves, twigs, and random items get blown around even if we don’t notice them. After a while, they can accumulate in significant volumes on the roof. The debris can prevent the normal flow of water, causing the liquid to pool in certain areas and cause damage. The weight of some debris is also heavy enough to create dents on the roof, especially if they soak up water during rain. Remove roof debris if you can or ask a handyman to do it for you.
2. Clean the gutters.
Do not just focus on the roof surface itself. You must consider other parts of the structure such as the gutters. These go around the perimeter to catch water and make sure that the liquid flows smoothly away from the house. Debris can also build up along the gutters as rain washes dried leaves and smaller debris downward. This can clog things up and prevent water from going down to the pipes. Prolonged wetness can also result in the early development of corrosion which can eventually lead to holes along the gutter. Regular cleaning can prevent this.
3. Secure loose shingles.
Go around your home and check if there are visibly loose shingles. You may be able to spot some that are out of alignment even if you are just standing on the ground. If you are comfortable with climbing up the roof, then you can secure the loose shingles and make things return to normal. This may be necessary after a particularly strong storm. Put safety first and do not attempt to climb a ladder if you are not used to this type of work. Ask for assistance from experienced individuals.
4. Inspect the flashing.
Flashing is present whenever the roof’s plane comes into contact with a vertical surface such as a wall. It is a thin sheet of metal such as galvanized iron in which half is affixed to the wall and half to the roof. This prevents water from penetrating the intersection. Calking is often used to further seal their edges so that water does not get in from the top or the sides. Have the flashing inspected for any damage. Perhaps the caulking has opened up or the sheet has gotten rusty. Fix these problems as soon as you can.
5. Cut branches overhead.
Tall trees around a home can be great for shade. These regulate indoor temperature so you are less dependent on an HVAC system for cooling or heating. However, these will keep on shedding leaves throughout the year which means that you will have to clean the roof frequently. Big branches may even snap and fall on the roof with a loud thud. This can severely damage the roofing materials, as well as the frame underneath. It is best to be proactive and cut some of the branches overhead before they grow too big or too long.
6. Inspect the ceiling for leaks.
Some forms of damage cannot be seen from the roof surface. You will have to look underneath to see the signs. For example, you can inspect the ceiling for signs of leakage such as discoloration, wood warping, and mold growth. These are your cues to search for holes and gaps on the roof. Seal these right away so that the problem does not get worse. Repairs like these are much cheaper than complete roof replacement which might become necessary if the problem is neglected for a long time.
7. Call a roofing contractor for assistance.
If you would like thorough inspections, accurate assessments, and reliable solutions, then contact a local roofing contractor. Roofers are able to perform all of these tasks efficiently thanks to their experience, training, skills, and equipment.
