One of the best ways to keep roof repairs costs down is to put into practice a preventive home maintenance plan. The repairs and maintenance of a roof could range from 2-4% of the value of your property, more as the property ages.
We present you: Ten (10) useful preventative maintenance tips that can help you to have a long-lasting roof for years to come.
1. REPLACE MISSING SHINGLES
If you spot a missing shingle or several, it is recommended to repair or replace it as early as possible to prevent water from weeping into your deck substructure and then leaking into your attic.
The presence of water can severely damage your deck. Joist and trusses, jeopardize the integrity of the structure of your roof. Act fast!
2. INSPECT YOUR ROOF AFTER STORMS
Excessive rainfall, snow, wind, or a combination of them, are the common causes of roof damage. A severe storm can dislocate or pull your shingles, misalign your gutters, and possibly lead to severe water damage.
It is important to watch out for the storm season to make sure your property is protected from the weather and all the elements.
Some of the common signs of roof damage after a storm is:
- Damaged or missing shingles.
- Drip edges are fractured.
- Exposed or missing fasteners.
- Broken gutters or sagged.
- Loose or missing flashing.
3. CLEAN UP BRANCHES AND LEAVES
Storm, tornadoes and heavy rainfall can carry onto your roof and gutter system. Leaves, branches and pine needles are a hassle. At first, it may not be perceived as dangerous; however, these are organic materials that decompose and create optimal conditions for mold, algae growth, and moisture absorption.
Clearing up and cleaning, could prevent your gutters from overflowing and deterioration. It also helps your roof to remain clean and aesthetically curb appealing.
4. TRIM OVERHANGING TREE BRANCHES
Limbs and branches hanging over a home are a threat to the rooftop and the entire property.
Here’s why.
- As branches scrape against roof shingles on windy days, they can strip off layers of asphalt.
- Their leaves fall directly onto your roof or into the gutter, which can lead to mold, deterioration or leaks.
- Even worse, if the tree is damaged or diseased, a storm can cause limbs to fall onto your home.
It’s important to consistently trim away overhanging branches.
5. MAKE SURE YOUR ROOF IS PROPERLY VENTILATED
Without proper ventilation, heat and moisture can cause sheathing and rafting to rot, roof materials to buckle and insulation to lose effectiveness. This will cause your overall roofing system to be ineffective.
6. CHECK FOR STREAKING
Pay close attention to the color of your roof. Roof areas, generally the areas of your roof that are exposed to shade during long periods of time in humidity will eventually become streaked with mold, algae or even fungus. And if left unchecked, will eventually deteriorate the roofing material shortening the life of the roof, which could lead to leaks and other signs of trouble. Make sure to clean it up, talk to a professional, it is not recommended to power wash your roof.
7. MAINTENANCE INSPECTIONS
A properly functioning roof system will protect your home for years to come. Make annual inspections of the roof to evaluate its general condition and detect any potential leakage problems before they develop. The best time for an inspection is the spring after severe weather conditions In addition, the weather is ideal for repairs if they are necessary.
8. DON’T ALLOW TO DISCHARGE FROM A DOWNSPOUT TO YOUR ROOF
Never allow water from a downspout to pour directly onto a roof below, as this will create additional wear to the shingle surface. Connect all upper story downspouts to a lower level gutter with drains installed on the lower roof.
9. TRUST YOUR CERTIFIED AND LICENSED ROOF CONTRACTOR
Is your contractor licensed, certified, and bonded? Does your contractor have adequate insurance? What warranties do they provide for materials and labor? Does the contractor obtain the proper permits and follow all local, and regional codes and regulations? How reliable is the contractor? What work have they done in your area? See their reviews, NEVER hire unlicensed and uninsured contractors.
Rafael Antonio Huguet Lotterer, Owner of E81 Studio
E81 Premium Roofing – Home of the educated Roof Consumer
Call us at (240) 205-3758
or Email us at: info@e81studio.com
