The roof is a barrier between your home and the elements. It protects your family from obvious dangers like storm damage and rotting tree branches. It also helps insulate your house and prevents energy waste.
But even with the best roofing materials, it can still suffer from weather damage and natural wear and tear. It is important to do regular maintenance to catch any small problems before they grow into larger, more expensive issues.
If a roof leak occurs, the first place you should look is the flashing. If you see signs of rot or mold growing on the flashing, it’s time to replace it. Flashing seals the gaps created by things like chimneys, vent pipes and skylights. It also protects the wall of your home from moisture infiltration. If the flashing is damaged, the gap will eventually lead to a leak. A roof inspection can locate these issues before they become serious problems.
You should inspect the flashing on a regular basis, either as part of a full roof inspection or as an independent service. The best way to do this is to walk the entire roof, if it is safe to do so. You can also use binoculars or a camera. It is important to be able to see the edges of the flashing, so you can look for raised nails or screws and loose shingles.
Flashing should be inspected for corrosion, and it is also important to see if the flashing is properly installed. The building code doesn’t specify how flashing is to be installed, but it should be done in a manner that prevents moisture penetration.
Some flashing is not visible because it is under shingles or is located behind a structure like a chimney or vent pipe. When this is the case, you should inspect these areas by leaning a ladder against the structure or using binoculars.
It is also important to check the caulking on a regular basis. This is an easy task, but it is often overlooked. It is important to ensure that the caulk is in good condition and is tightly sealed to the flashing.
If you notice any gaps, you should add more caulk to these locations. It is a simple task that will keep the roof watertight and help prevent leaks. In addition to checking the flashing, you should also examine the wall and window penetrations for moisture intrusion. Too often leaks from these areas are disguised as roof leaks. It is a good idea to do these checks on a regular basis, especially after significant weather events.
Trim Trees
Arborists and roofing contractors alike recommend trimming tree branches that hang over a roof on a regular basis. This will help to prevent damage that could require a roof replacement and will also prevent the accumulation of organic debris on the roof surface. This will allow for proper runoff of precipitation and reduce the risk of pest infestations, which are exacerbated by excessive debris on a roof.
Some people prune their trees for aesthetic reasons, while others do it to prevent the spread of disease and to protect power lines. However, many people forget that it is just as important to prune the trees on their residential property. Letting the tree limbs become too long can lead to a number of issues, including structural damage to the home and the loss of natural light.
A large and swaying tree branch can cause damage to the roof shingles as well as to other parts of the house, including the windows and foundation. This damage can be even more serious during a storm, as the branches can break and fall onto the roof.
In addition, overhanging branches can poke into the outer surface of the roof and slowly strip it down to the base mat layer. This can then expose the roof to moisture, which will require extensive and expensive repairs.
It is possible to trim overhanging tree limbs yourself if the branches are not too high and you have the right equipment, such as a ladder and a climbing line. However, it is always safer to hire a professional arborist to do the job for you. They have the knowledge and the tools to safely cut the limbs without damaging the roof or causing injuries.
If you decide to do it yourself, make sure that the limbs are secure in their branches and that they are not near any people or valuable items. It is also important to use a reputable company so that you can be certain that they are cutting the limbs properly and safely. For example, they should never cut a limb too close to the trunk and should always cut at a point that is farther away from the bud of the tree.
Clean the Gutters
Clean gutters are vital for protecting the roof from water damage. If your gutters become clogged with leaves, dirt and other debris, rainwater will flow over the edge of the roof and soak into the wood sheeting. This can cause the wood to rot and even leak into your home’s structure. Gutter cleaning is a simple task that can prevent this kind of damage and should be included on your roof maintenance checklist.
It is recommended that you clean the gutters twice a year. A good time to do this is in the spring and fall when the leaves are changing colors and falling off the trees. It is also a good idea to clear the gutters after a storm.
A clogged gutter can be very problematic, especially if you live in an area that gets lots of snowstorms. When a clog occurs, melting snow and ice is unable to drain properly, and this can create an ice dam that will pull away the shingles. This is a very dangerous situation, and it is best to hire a professional to deal with this problem.
If you’re going to clean the gutters yourself, it’s a good idea to use a ladder that’s stable and sturdy. You’ll also want to make sure you have a spotter to keep an eye on your safety while you are working. Working at heights can be extremely dangerous, and a fall from a roof is very serious.
There are many ways to clean your gutters, but the best way is probably to use a leaf blower with a gutter attachment. These attachments are available for most leaf blowers and allow you to remove the debris from your gutters without having to stand on a ladder. The downside is that it can be very messy, and you’ll need to wear goggles to avoid getting debris in your eyes.
It’s a good idea to have downspouts that extend at least two feet (three is preferable) from the base of the home. This will help to ensure that the water is not funneling into puddles near the foundation of the house, which can lead to expensive water damage down the line.
Inspect the Shingles
With all the damage that can be done to your roof by wind and hail, you’ll need to inspect it for shingle damage. This can be hard to do unless you’re standing on the ground, but you can get an idea of what’s going on by taking a look at the gutters and the surrounding areas. Look for asphalt granules that have been knocked off of the shingles. This could mean that your shingles are not in good shape or that they were not installed properly.
Another area that will need to be inspected is the decking of your roof. This will include the joists and rafters. If these are sagging or rotting then it may be time to replace them. It’s important that the decking is a sturdy structure because it supports the shingles.
An inspector will also check the integrity of the flashing, which is the thin metal that lines penetrations, such as chimneys and vent pipes. They will also look for rust and cracks in these areas. It is important that these areas are sealed correctly so that precipitation doesn’t fall directly onto the chimney or penetrate the shingle.
A contractor will also look at the gable, soffit, and ridge vents to make sure that they are not blocked or have any loose fasteners. They will also check the condition of the fascia boards, which are the horizontal boards that run along the edge of your roof. They will also examine the soffit boards, which cover the underside of the roof overhangs and protect against water damage and pest infestation.
Lastly, the inspector will also look at the interior of your home for signs of leaks and moisture damage. They will check in your attic, especially if there is one, and look for wet insulation or water stains on the ceiling.
While many people have attempted to perform their own roof inspections, it’s generally not a great idea if you have any concerns or if your roof has been damaged by a storm. A professional roofing contractor can inspect your roof, assess the damage and recommend a plan for repair.
