As a premier Arlington roofing company, we get lots of questions from clients, past and present, about how to best maintain a residential roof. Roofing contractors see all types of issues and damages that could have been avoided if the homeowners would follow the proper roofing maintenance procedures and services.
In this blog, we are going to discuss five tips that any quality roofing contractor would recommend to homeowners to keep their roofs in tip-top shape!
1. Do A Thorough Inspection From The Ground
Twice a year, in the spring and the fall, do a walk-around and check your roof. Take notes and use a very critical eye to spot problems that can become big issues. Roofing contractors recommend walking around your entire property and gaining clear visibility to your roof, gutters, and drip edges.
Look for missing shingles or shingles that are lifting off the roof. Look for damaged drip edges that are not flowing well. Look for areas of standing water that are pooling on your roof. Look for missing or exposed roofing fasteners.
Keep an eye out for gutters that are broken, cracked, sagging, or clogged. Take note of anything that looks off to you, even if you’re not entirely sure of what the issue is. Capable roofing contractors will be able to diagnose these problems very quickly upon a closer inspection.
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2. Keep The Trees on Your Property Trimmed Back
If you live on a property with lots of trees surrounding the home, it’s necessary to give all the trees adjacent to your home a thorough inspection at least once a year.
Trees may not grow fast, but tree limbs can extend dangerously close to your roof over time. Also, trees that are older, sick, or invested with insects can weaken and fall over onto your roof or home during a storm.
Check for trees that have limbs entering within 8ft or closer to your home and hire a tree removal specialist to trim them back. Also, have any dead/dying trees removed from your property to reduce the risk of them damaging your home during high winds.
3. Keep Your Gutters Clean
Clogged gutters will not redirect water away from your home as they intend to. Gutters can get clogged from leaves, pine cones, pine needles, and various other forms of tree debris. When the downspouts are clogged, water will fill up above the gutter brim and flow down the side of your home.
If too much water collects around your home’s foundation, it can seep into cracks, freeze, and then cause extensive damage to your home. This can all be avoided by inspecting your gutters and making sure they are flowing properly.
4. Check Your Insulation
Moisture collecting in your attic or pooling on your roof is never an ideal situation. If your insulation is working and your attic has proper ventilation, it greatly reduces the risks of ice dams.
Weak or compromised caulking around your roof’s flashing can lead to seals failing. If seals fail around flashing, you can get leaks and other issues. Proper insulation and properly sealed flashing are critical to a properly functioning roof.
5. Check for Moss, Algae, and Dry Rot
Moss, lichens, and mold growth on your roof will not only look visually unappealing but over time growth will eat away at your roof and comprise the roof’s effectiveness and integrity. When dry rot occurs on or under your roof, it’s very unsafe, and the wood needs to be replaced asap.
Keeping a clean roof will drastically improve its lifespan. Save yourself money by extending your roof’s lifespan, and not have to prematurely replace it.
Keeping a watchful eye on your roof and maintaining a basic maintenance schedule will have your roof lasting for many years. The tips mentioned on this page applies to most places, unless you are dealing with roofing companies in dfw, and in general Texas has different laws.
If you have any questions regarding your roof installation and service, please contact us for your roofing needs in Arlington, MA.