Even though it may seem intimidating, every homeowner should take care of their roof. Regardless of what type of roof you have on your home, you can prolong its lifespan if you take good care of it and schedule regular maintenance inspections.
Many expensive repairs can be prevented during regular maintenance, such as those caused by water leaks, the presence of moss, or other issues that are common in Beaverton.
You can even avoid premature roof replacements with this simple ounce of prevention. Find out more about roofing in Beaverton, and see how you can help keep your roof in good shape with these roof maintenance tips.
1. Inspect the Shingles Every Season
Many homeowners prefer shingles on their roofs as they are aesthetically pleasing, have a fair lifespan, and are very affordable. But another big advantage of having roof shingles is that they can warn you ahead of time if something is not right with your roof.
Each season, your roof shingles will have to deal with various weather conditions. For example, in the summer, your shingles will endure hot and humid temperatures. The sun’s UV rays, summer thunderstorms, or even a hurricane could damage your shingles.
During winter, snowstorms might also negatively impact your shingles. Therefore, it is essential to check your shingles and other roofing materials after every season for any damage. You’ll want to look for any signs of excessive wear or damage.
If you notice a couple of missing shingles, you will need to replace them immediately. If many shingles are missing, you will likely need to replace your roof. Replacing missing shingles is critical, as it can lead to water leaks, rot, and further damage that will need more costly repairs.
When inspecting your shingles, you should also check your vent pipes and the integrity of the caulk around the flashing. If you notice moss or lichen, you will need to remove it. A professional roof inspection is necessary if the lichen or moss has reached underneath your shingles.
2. Perform Annual Treatments and Regular Cleaning
One of the best roof maintenance tips for homeowners is to annually treat your roof for moss, lichen, or algae. These things can grow on your roof and cause severe damage that may lead to costly repairs or an entire roof replacement sooner than you may have anticipated.
The shady areas of your roof are the most susceptible to lichen, moss, and algae, and they often take root during those warmer months. You can get rid of them with the assistance of a roof cleaning professional. You can also use preventive products containing zinc and copper to prevent them from growing back.
Keeping your gutters clean is also essential for your roof. Cleaned gutters protect your roof by keeping the water and debris away. Ensure your gutters are free of sticks, leaves, and other debris at least twice a year.
This way, the water that enters your gutters from rainfall or melting snow flows freely and your gutters work as intended. If you have leaves or debris on your roof, remove them right away.
Such roof debris can favor the growth of moss, lichen, or algae. Regularly check your roof out and remove any of the debris that you find to prevent problems.
3. Trim Trees and Replace Caulk
Another good tip to ensure the safety of your roof is to trim the trees around the perimeter of your home. If branches hang over your roof, they will leave debris, creating a suitable habitat for moss or lichen.
The shade provided by the tree branches can also act unfavorably on your roof. For example, moss likes to grow in the shade, and with branches creating shady spots on your roof, it creates the perfect place for moss to thrive.
However, the biggest disadvantage of untrimmed trees is apparent during heavy storms and natural disasters, such as tornadoes or hurricanes when these things can break loose and impact the safety and integrity of your roof, and your whole entire home. Check your tree branches at least once every year and have them trimmed when needed.
Additionally, many roofs have flashing around their chimneys and vent pipes to prevent water from leaking into your home. However, the flashing on your roof can’t protect against water leaks forever.
You should annually inspect and replace the caulk on your flashing. See if the caulk is either missing or if it has started to lift up in any areas. Scrape the old caulk away and apply a new bead to fill the gap should you spot this problem.
4. Bonus Tip for Roof Maintenance
As one final bonus tip, you should check if your attic has good insulation. This will help you deal with snow and ice accumulation on your roof. If water melts and gets under your shingles, it will later refreeze and lift up, damaging your shingles.
The insulation in your attic helps keep the heat in your home from escaping through the roof. With high-quality insulation, you will prevent additional roof problems from arising.
Remember, your roof is the first layer of protection for your home. Since it faces so many different weather conditions, inspecting it often is necessary to prolong its lifespan. Apart from the tips mentioned here, it would also be advisable for you to have a professional roofing company have a look at your roof at least twice every year.
This way, you can have complete peace of mind for the safety and well-being of your family and your home all year long.