Important Aspects of Roofing Maintenance

As a barrier between the interior living space and outside elements, the roof is an important part of your home. It only takes a small crack or hole to allow water or other elements to enter your house, which can lead to serious and costly damage.

A roof maintenance program will include examining the interior for signs of water damage like mold, mildew, and water stains. It will also include an inspection of the trusses and beams for signs of stress. 

The flashings on a roof are often overlooked during roofing maintenance, but they are one of the most important parts of any rooftop. The flashings seal joints, penetrations and intersections on the roof, preventing water from seeping into the building and causing damage. They are especially critical in areas like chimneys, vents, skylights, and where walls meet the roof.

A good flashing inspection involves looking for rust, cracks and visible signs of water intrusion such as peeling paint or wallpaper. Moisture intrusion caused by failing flashing can lead to mold, dry rot and even structural damage inside the home or building.

If the flashings are corroded or cracked, they will need to be replaced. Also, look for gaps between the flashing and shingles. If the flashing is pulling away from the shingle, there could be serious leaks or even roof membrane damage. Also check the caulk around the flashing. This is another vital seal against moisture, but it will degrade over time. Look for fading, pitted spots and missing beads of caulk.

It may be possible to do some of the flashing maintenance yourself, but a professional should examine and repair any areas of concern. Before you attempt to inspect the flashings, it’s important to have a solid ladder that is tall enough to reach the roof. You’ll also need a pair of binoculars to get an up close and detailed view of the flashing.

A professional will also check the gutters and downspouts for blockages. Maintaining gutters ensures that water is properly directed away from the roof and foundation, reducing potential moisture problems. Also, check for moss and algae growth on the roof. Removing moss and algae can help prevent moisture from remaining against the roof materials and promoting corrosion and damage.

Finally, check for any penetrations such as pipes or equipment stands. These are typically waterproofed using metal pitch pans or concrete rings, but it’s important to check that these are still intact and fully sealed. Also, make sure to remove any debris from the roof surface before starting your inspection.

Inspect the Attic

One of the most important aspects of roofing maintenance is a thorough inspection of the attic and roof structure. This will provide valuable information to help prevent a variety of problems, including excessive energy consumption and bills, poor indoor air quality and moisture-related damage.

When accessing the attic, it is a good idea to wear a respirator, as the insulation material may contain particulates that can irritate the lungs and eyes. This is also a good opportunity to inspect for animal droppings, chewed insulation and nests that should be removed. The attic should be well-ventilated, and ridge and soffit vents should be checked for adequate airflow.

The roof sheathing should be inspected for signs of moisture intrusion, such as warped boards and mold growth. These conditions should be corrected immediately to prevent structural damage to the home.

Inspecting the attic is especially important during a rain storm, since it will be easier to spot active leaks. Leaks are most likely to occur at or around roof penetrations such as plumbing vents, dryer vents, bathroom exhaust fans and kitchen hood vents. Leaks are also common near attic hatches, electrical service mast entry points and at the fascia board.

Other areas of concern are the presence of ice dams and the condition of the attic hatch. The presence of ice dams suggests the barrier between the living space and attic is broken, which can lead to moisture intrusion. Moisture in the attic can also contribute to structural problems like rot, and it is important to repair the damaged area as soon as possible.

Finally, a comprehensive attic inspection will include checking the electrical wiring in the attic. This will be a valuable opportunity to ensure that all of the electrical wiring is up to code and properly installed. It is also a good time to make sure that all junction boxes are present, and that the wiring is not causing any potential issues. In addition, this is a good opportunity to check for a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) tester and AFCI (arc fault circuit interrupter) to ensure that they are functioning correctly.

Clean the Gutters

Gutter clogs can lead to serious roof damage, and they’re often the source of water leaks that cause mold, wood rot, and even pest problems like ants and rodents. Gutter cleaning is an important part of roof maintenance, and if you don’t want to risk falling off your roof while trying to clean it by hand, it’s a good idea to hire a professional to do it for you.

Gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year, in spring and fall. Autumn is an especially critical time for gutters because it’s when trees shed their leaves, and they can easily end up in the gutters and create logjams that impede the flow of water.

After cleaning the gutters, be sure to run water through them to make sure they’re clear and working properly. This is also a good opportunity to check for blockages and other signs of wear or damage.

If you don’t want to climb a ladder and risk falling off your roof while trying to clean the gutters, a wet/dry vacuum can be a useful tool. These are available at most online retailers and hardware stores, and they allow you to vacuum the entire gutter system from the ground. You can use a longer hose to reach second story roofs, and be sure to dispose of the debris after you’re done.

Aiming a hose stream into the downspouts is another quick and easy way to check for clogs. If water is flowing, but you’re concerned about it becoming blocked by debris in the future, consider getting a flexible rod with a brush on the end, like the ones used to clean dryer vents.

If you have old, rusty or damaged gutters, be sure to replace them. New gutter systems are more durable than older ones, and will last for years to come. In addition to being easier on the eyes, they’re more efficient at directing water away from your home, which helps protect it from mold, rot, and other forms of structural damage. They’re also more aesthetically pleasing, and can add value to your home.

Trim Tree Branches

Trees add beauty and value to a home, but they must be properly maintained. Overgrown tree branches can interfere with the structure of your roof and damage the surrounding areas. They can also pose a fire hazard, as they may come in contact with power lines. Keeping trees properly trimmed will prevent them from overhanging or touching your roof, and it will also help protect other related structures such as chimneys, gutters, soffits, and solar panels.

It is not advisable to attempt trimming the branches of a roof by yourself, even if you have the proper equipment. Doing so could result in a number of dangerous consequences, including damaging your home or hurting yourself. Additionally, one wrong cut can cause severe damage to your roof or the tree itself. This is why it is important to call a professional with the right tools and knowledge to trim the trees around your house.

A certified arborist will be able to keep your trees at the ideal distance from your roof, while also maintaining their health. In addition, if any damage is done while performing a tree-trimming service on your property, an insured arborist will be able to cover the costs of repairs.

When tree branches touch your roof, they can scrape or abrade the shingles. This can lead to premature curling, shingle loss, and moisture rot, which can lead to leaks. The best way to prevent this is to hire a professional to prune the trees before they start to overhang the roof.

If you have a neighbor’s tree that is hanging over your roof, politely ask them if they would be willing to have it trimmed. This will keep you from creating a problem between you and your neighbors, while still protecting the integrity of your roof. However, if your neighbor is unwilling to trim their tree, then it might be best to call a local roofer and arborist yourself. They can handle the job safely and quickly without causing any harm to your property. They can also assist with cutting down unstable or sickly trees and removing any debris after a storm.