Performing regular roof maintenance prevents minor issues from escalating to significant repairs. This can save homeowners thousands in re-roofing costs and help ensure better energy efficiency. Contact Montana Roofing Solutions for professional help.
In addition to shingles, a thorough inspection should cover the condition of gutters, downspouts, chimneys, vent pipes, and skylights. Inspectors should also look for signs of water penetration from a roof, including mold and mildew in the attic or walls, as well as water stains and peeling paint.
While many people assume that roof leaks come from damaged or missing shingles, it’s actually common for flashing to be the source of problems. This is because the flashing essentially bridges the gap between the roof and areas of penetration, like chimneys, skylights, vents and dormers. It also protects the underlying joists and beams from water damage by sealing off these gaps and diverting any moisture away from them.
As a result, it’s important to check for flashing damage regularly to prevent future problems. Fortunately, this can be done without any expensive or dangerous rooftop access equipment. Simply look for signs of moisture, such as water stains and mold, on the ceilings below. If you see any of these, it’s likely time to call a roofing professional for inspection and repair.
Roof flashing is made from thin pieces of impervious metal, often galvanized steel or aluminum. It’s installed around any penetrations in your roof, such as chimneys and skylights, as well as at the eaves. It’s also commonly used to seal soffit vents and ridge cap vents. The flashing is usually caulked in place, but a quick inspection can reveal if the caulk has begun to wear down or is no longer sealing properly.
You can also look at the flashing for signs of damage by gently prying up a shingle near the leaking area and examining the underlying flashing. If the flashing is corroded or rusty, you’ll need to replace it and make sure the new material is sealed properly. Once again, this is a job best left to professionals unless you’re experienced with roofing repairs and feel comfortable doing it yourself.
When assessing the flashing, you’ll need to make note of any previous repairs. This will help to ensure that any future repairs are made to the same quality as the original work. Additionally, keeping your roof clear of debris will minimize the impact that weather has on flashing and other roof components. Finally, it’s a good idea to regularly trim tree branches that hang over your roof or could fall during a storm.
Clean the Gutters
When gutters are working correctly, they direct rainwater away from the roof and home. However, if they become blocked by leaves or other debris, the water can’t flow properly, which can lead to moisture problems in the wood fascia and even rot the underlying shingle material. Gutters should be cleaned on a regular basis—at least twice per year in most areas.
This is an easy DIY job if the gutters are dry. You can use a plastic bucket or a small tub, but you must be prepared to climb the ladder. Find a safe spot to position the ladder and have someone nearby to stabilize it so that you don’t fall off of it. You can also buy a special gutter scoop, which is a metal scoop that hooks over the edges of the gutter as you remove debris.
If you don’t want to climb the ladder, a professional roofer can clean your gutters from the ground. They can also wash your roof to remove molds, fungi, moss, and other unsightly growths. A professional can also inspect your roof for signs of damage, such as sagging or gaps.
A clogged gutter is one of the most common causes of roof leaks. In addition to causing moisture problems in the roof deck and framing, it can also sag the gutter and rip or tear it off the house. The best way to prevent clogging is to regularly clean the gutters and downspouts.
This can be done by hand if the gutters are relatively dry, or with a power washer if they’re not too dirty. Whenever you’re cleaning your gutters, make sure to wear rubber gloves and use caution. You can even try climbing a ladder while wearing a harness to reduce your risk of falling off. If you’re not comfortable doing this job yourself, a local roofing contractor should be able to help. They can provide a complete roof inspection, and clean or repair your gutters as needed. In addition, a local roofer can also check the condition of roof penetrations, such as skylights, vents, and chimneys.
Remove Debris
During seasons of high winds and leaves falling from nearby trees, debris can pile up on your roof. If left unattended, these piles can block your gutters and clog the drains. They can also lead to weakened or degraded shingles and encourage the growth of algae, which can appear as black stains on the shingles. A regular cleaning of the roof can prevent the buildup of debris and prevent future damage.
When removing debris from a roof, it’s important to use proper safety equipment and techniques. For example, a leaf blower is the best way to clear debris without damaging the shingles or other roofing materials. It’s important to point the blower away from any chimneys, skylights, or other vulnerable areas of the roof to avoid blowing debris into them. If possible, a rake or brush with a long handle can be used to remove larger piles of debris that don’t easily fit on a lawnmower or blower.
It’s also important to keep in mind that debris on the roof can create trip and slip hazards. Even small items such as leaves, twigs, trash, or wrappers can introduce these hazards and create barriers that could cause workers to lose traction and fall off the roof. This can result in serious injuries and expensive facility repair costs.
Debris buildup can also clog drains, which can lead to water retention on the roof and promote mold or fungus. This can lead to shingle damage, rot, or roof collapse. Debris on the roof can also re-direct rainwater from the gutters and toward the structure of the building, which can cause major problems such as structural damage or leaking.
In addition to using the proper safety gear and cleaning methods, it’s also important to schedule debris removal for a day with clear skies, minimal wind, and moderate temperatures. This will help ensure that weather conditions don’t complicate the process and increase the risk of injury. If possible, it’s also a good idea to have a professional clean the debris from the roof rather than trying to do it yourself.
Trim Trees
Arborists and roofing contractors like Industry Elite Services highly recommend regular pruning of your home’s trees. This will protect the structure from falling limbs that could damage your roof. But it’s important to know that too many tree limbs over your roof can lead to major problems, especially during stormy weather.
Branches that hang over your roof can scrape the shingles, which can cause damage and even rip them off. They can also block your gutters, causing water to backup and leak into the roof and home. These branches also provide easy access for animals and pests, allowing them to nest in your roof or enter the home.
You should only hire a professional to trim tree limbs over your roof. This is because the work can be dangerous, and you might end up causing more damage by cutting too much or making the wrong cut. It’s also a good idea to keep in mind that removing too many branches can weaken the tree and cause it to eventually fall over.
The two most common types of trimming are thinning and crown reduction. Thinnning reduces the overall density of a tree, improves air circulation and sunlight penetration and can eliminate diseased or problem growths. Crown reduction, on the other hand, removes specific branches to a specific height or shape and may reduce stress on the limbs by reducing their weight.
It’s important to prune your trees often to prevent damage and to maintain their beauty. But it’s best to leave the trimming of your trees to a professional, as they have specialized training and equipment for the job. If you’re looking for a tree maintenance service to trim your trees, it’s best to choose one that’s certified by the International Society of Arborists.
A properly trimmed tree will look attractive and will help your roof last longer. So don’t hesitate to ask your local roofers about tree maintenance. You’ll be glad you did when it’s time to replace your roof!