It is highly recommended to leave any roof work to the professionals – this includes inspections.
Typically an inspection will work from a checklist that evaluates:
- General Roof Conditions
- Flat/Membrane Roof Conditions
- Roof Slope Conditions
- Roof Features and;
- Interior Features
Based on your roof’s inspection, the next step would be to fix anything that has been prioritized as high level and proceed with the maintenance.
The following are our top considerations …
Top 5 Spring Maintenance Tips for your Roof
To maintain the lifespan of your roof, it’s important to conduct regular maintenance. Of course, this is another task for a professional because you’re dealing with ladders and heights. Safety should always come first and a rooftop is not something you would want to cut corners with.
Tip #1 – Clean out the gutters
Your gutters have an important job to do – they help keep your home safe and dry.
If your gutters become clogged with leaves, debris, or small animal nests, the water will pool and back onto your rooftop.
Unless you have the right materials to do the job and height safety training, it is not worth it to try and do this yourself. Hiring a professional is your best option.
Recommended Frequency – 2X annually
Tip #2 – Maintain your trees
Broken tree branches can cause severe damage to your roof. You can help eliminate the risk by doing a little landscaping.
Cut back any trees that could cause potential harm and in some cases, full tree removal might be necessary – especially if the tree is beyond saving.
The foliage on tree branches may look nice but it can cause algae to form on your roof or worse, mold!
Frequency – every 3-5 years or if your trees are young 1-2 years
Tip # 3 – Reseal caulking
Your roof has many features so it is important to ensure there is sealing around the necessary openings such as;
– chimneys
– skylights
– vents
– roof tiles and shingles
– flashing
You can use caulking or roofing tar to close the spacing and help prevent moisture from getting in the cracks. Either way, it’s essential in maintaining the longevity of your investment.
Tip # 4 – Insulate the Attic
Believe it or not, how you insulate your attic will play a role in how long your roof lasts. It reduces the transfer of heat and helps avoid contraction and expansion.
Note: Due to the nature of this task, it’s important to have a professional come out to evaluate your insulation levels in your attic, the type of insulation you have, and whether it needs to be removed and/or replaced.
Tip # 5 – Check for any leaks or cracks in the ceiling
As the seasons’ change, your home will expand and contract and this can cause your ceiling to crack.
Nevertheless, you should do a walk around your home and check the ceiling for any cracks and water damage that might need to be addressed.
Either symptom could be a sign of a leaking roof. If you followed through with a roof inspection, you will know for sure if this is the case.
Whether you decide to invest in a professional or not, it’s important to maintain your roof on a semi-annual basis because it keeps you and your family safe and protected.
There is no room for error, if you drop the ball the reality is at any point you could be faced with needing a new roof, dealing with mold, mildew, and more.
What next? We’ve been serving the Hampton Roads region for over 15 years. Talk to one of our technicians for any questions, concerns, or to have us come out to do an evaluation. Give us a call at 757-630-6641.