Like many aspects of home maintenance, the best approach to keep your roof in good shape is a proactive one. When you perform routine inspections and maintenance on your roof, you can catch a number of issues before they lead to serious damage. Here are three ways preventive maintenance is essential to protect your roof and extend its life.
1. Inspect Flashing to Avoid Leaks
Because of vents, chimneys, and the section-by-section nature of roof construction, no roof is completely leak-proof. Strips of metal called flashing are installed around penetrations and over seams in your roof to keep water from leaking through. Over time, flashing can start to peel away from your roof, or corrosion can cause small holes to form. Flashing maintenance is the best way to avoid roof leaks.
Every time you inspect your roof, look over the flashing to find areas where leaks could develop. Fixes that are most commonly needed include the installation of new flashing screws to secure sections that have lifted, and the use of small pieces of flashing to patch holes. Sometimes you’ll need to apply new roofing cement around your flashing, especially flashing around the edge of your chimney.
2. Clean Your Gutters to Protect Your Roof and Foundation
While not technically a part of your roof, your gutters are one of the most important parts of your home as they protect both your roof and your foundation. When your gutters are clogged, they will hold moisture around the edge of your roof. This can lead to water damage and mold growth on the roof. Your gutter downspouts prevent foundation cracks and basement leaks by routing rainwater away from the soil around your home.
To clear all but the most stubborn gutter clogs, simply climb on a ladder and spray the gutters out with a hose. Sometimes you may need to scoop out debris manually with gloves or a trowel. The installation of gutter guards is a good way to keep debris out of your gutters and reduce how frequently you need to clean them.
3. Remove Debris to Prevent a Variety of Problems
If there are a lot of trees around your home, you may see leaves, branches, and debris pile up on your roof, not just in your gutters. Debris that lies directly on your roof can cause a host of issues, especially during the rainy season. Leaves and branches are great at moisture retention, and piles of saturated debris on your roof can quickly lead to water damage and mold growth.
The fire hazard that debris on your roof can cause is another reason to remove it as quickly as possible. During the summer months, a stray ember can easily ignite dried leaves and branches. Even if your roof is made of a flame-retardant material like asphalt or slate, debris on your roof can serve as kindling that can cause a fire to quickly get out of hand.
When too much debris piles up on your roof, it becomes an attractive nesting spot for squirrels, birds, mice, and other pests. Pests can scratch and burrow into your roof until leaks develop, and the droppings they leave behind can carry disease into your home through water leaks. Sweep your roof regularly to reduce the risk of pest infestations and damage to your roof.
Every homeowner can benefit from preventive roof maintenance and the years it can add to the life of your roof. Take these simple steps to protect your roof and avoid paying for expensive repairs in the future. Keep these tips in mind, and contact us at Done Right Home Improvements, for all of your roof repair and maintenance needs!