Investing in a roof system is a big decision. Your roof keeps your home safe and cozy. Just like you take care of other parts of your home, your roof needs attention too. That’s where the roof maintenance checklist comes in. It’s a simple guide to help you look after your roof. Regular maintenance is key to making sure your roof lasts long and keeps your family comfortable.
Follow Our Expert Roof Maintenance Checklist
Our list has tasks you should do every year and every six months. These tasks will help your asphalt shingle roof last a long time. Most of them are easy to do. Like other tasks you do each season, they will save you time and money in the future.
You Can Maintain Your Roof by Performing These 11 Tasks
Three categories can be made out of the 11 roof maintenance tasks:
- Seasonal Roof Cleaning
- Regular Inspections
- Smart Practices
Roof Work Safety
Before you start fixing your roof, safety comes first. Sometimes, you might need to work in the attic or use a ladder. But it’s better to hire expert roofers. They know the risks and can spot issues you might miss if you try to do it yourself. Hiring roof experts keeps you and your family safe.
Reduce Roof Traffic
Asphalt shingles have small granules on top that give color and texture. These granules also protect from sunlight. But too much walking can scratch them off. If you catch the shingle’s edge, it might lift or crack. So, try not to walk on the roof too much to keep it safe.
Every Fall, Seasonal Roof Care
1. Clean Gutters
Your gutters are meant to carry water away from your roof and foundation. If they get clogged, water can seep under your shingles. Check if your gutters are clear and firmly attached. Focus on corners where the gutter meets a wall. In risky spots, add splash guards or kick-out flashing.
2. Limit Moss and Algae Growth
Moss is a water-absorbing plant. Large clumps can cause roof shingles to be damaged by exposing their undersides and raising the edges of the shingles.
Regular treatments may be the best option if your roof is prone to algae or moss.
3. Remove Nearby Tree Branches
Trees can cause roof granules to be disturbed by rubbing up against the shingles. This is especially true during windstorms. Trim the branches to ensure that they don’t touch your roof or gutters, even during windstorms.
4. Organic Debris Must Be Cleared Off
Trees provide shade and beauty, but they also drop leaves and other things on your roof. These can trap moisture and clog your gutters. Clean your roof at least twice a year, more if trees are very active in your area. Use a leaf blower or broom, and avoid rubbing the shingles, so you don’t damage them.
Roof Check-Ups
Your roof was strong when it was new, but the weather can wear it down. Even good roofs get affected over time. Check vulnerable spots often to make sure they stay strong.
5. Check if Wall Claddings and Windows Nearby Are Watertight
After heavy rain or lots of rain over time, look outside your house. Check for wet spots or streaks. If your gutters or soffits aren’t working, water might run down the walls instead of through the downspouts. Also, inspect windows for warping or lost caulking. These spots can let in moisture.
6. Inspect the Flashing
Flashing makes sure water can’t get in where two parts of the roof meet. You often see it around chimneys and vents. In valleys where two roof slopes meet, there’s a channel formed, and flashing is used there too.
You can check flashing from a second-floor window. If you see rust or dents, or if it’s missing parts, call a roofer. They can look closer and decide if it needs fixing or replacing.
7. Examine the Soil Stack
Some vent pipes have a rubberized seal. Over time, the sealant or gasket can become dry and crumble. Check that roof penetrations against the elements are tightly sealed regularly.
If you see this problem from a safe distance, contact a contractor for an inspection.
8. Beware of Ice Dams
Ice dams happen when there’s snow on the roof and it’s really cold. The melted snow has nowhere to go, so it pools on the shingles. This can damage the shingles and leak into the roof.
The best solution is to hire a professional to check your attic. They’ll ensure it has enough insulation and ventilation. Good ventilation and insulation stop ice dams from forming.
9. Confirm Open Ventilation
The replacement of warm, humid air in the attic with cool, dryer air can help prevent mold and mildew growth and ice dams.
To ensure that intake and exhaust vents work correctly, check the following.
- Check the airflow in the attic space.
- Check that the screens on your soffit are clean and free from paint or debris.
10. Connect the Vents of Your Dryer and Bathroom Directly Outside
Make sure the damp air from your dryers and bathroom vents goes outside. New houses follow this rule in building codes.
In older homes, check if fans are venting into crawlspaces or attics. If they do, it can cause mold issues. Also, check dryer hoses for cracks regularly.
11. Avoid Downspout Discharge on Roof
Make sure your downspouts go all the way down your roof. The top one should connect to a lower gutter. This stops water from always flowing over the same spot, which can damage your roof. Dislodged granules can make shingles age faster and get damaged. Shingles need those granules to stay strong.
Trust All Star Roofing for Expert Roof Care!
Taking care of your roof regularly is important. It helps keep your home safe. If you notice any signs that your roof might need to be replaced, it’s smart to act quickly. Fixing small problems early can prevent bigger ones later.
If you’re not sure about your roof, All Star Roofing can help. If you need help, just get in touch. We’re here to make sure your home stays safe and sound. Contact us today, and let’s keep your roof in great shape!
Other Services We Offer
- ROOF INSTALLATION
- RE-ROOFING
- SHINGLE ROOFS
- TILE ROOFING
- FLAT ROOFING
- METAL ROOFING
- EMERGENCY ROOF REPAIR
- HURRICANE HELP