Keeping your roof in good condition should come with a roof maintenance checklist. How else are you supposed to know what to do? Here are some simple steps you can take to make sure your roof remains in good condition for as long as possible.
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Check your shingles.
It’s best if you keep your eyes on your shingles, especially right after a heavy storm or excessive winds. This might seem scary, but you don’t need to put a ladder against your roof and climb up it. A pair of binoculars will help you see shingles that are missing, curling, or cracked, as well as peeling, flashing, and missing granules.
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Get your roof inspected.
It’s always a good idea to have a professional look at your roof. Roof inspectors look at roofs all day, every day. They can spot issues from a mile away that might be difficult for you to detect. They can also provide you with roof maintenance tips to make your roof last longer and give you a timeframe for when you should next replace your roof.
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Look for leaks.
Do certain rooms in your house smell musty? Are there water stains on your ceiling? Are there spots on your outside walls? Do you see bulges on your inside walls? These are all signs that your roof is leaking and needs to be repaired or replaced.
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Wash your roof.
Washing your roof with a water-bleach mix will prevent excessive amounts of algae from growing on your roof. While algae doesn’t pose an immediate risk, they will slowly rot through your shingles, so keeping them away is for the best.
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Clean your gutters.
We know cleaning your gutters is gross. But cleaning your gutters is also essential. If they get clogged, water will rise. You don’t want water to reach your roof; it could cause water damage! We recommend cleaning your gutters twice a year, ideally in the fall and spring when it’s not freezing cold or blazing hot outside.
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Trim branches.
Trimming your branches will help prevent large branches from falling on your roof and damaging it. Keeping leaves off your roof is also a good idea since they can absorb moisture, which ultimately leads to rotting.
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Patch your chimney.
Chimney cracks and missing mortar are problematic since they can cause structural and foundation damage. Not only that, but your chimney could flat-out collapse. We don’t want that!
The Roof Doctor
Do you have questions about roof maintenance? Not sure whether it needs repair or replacement? The Roof Doctor is here to help you. We work on residential and commercial roofs. Whether it’s storm damage, roof repairs, or roof replacement, we’ve got you covered. We’ll be happy to coordinate a roof inspection with your insurer’s claims adjuster. Contact us to get started.