With the change of the seasons to longer and warmer days, it is always a good idea to check in on your home’s roof maintenance. Here are some basic roof maintenance tips to look for as spring approaches to make sure it is strong and healthy. These items can be performed by the homeowner or a roofing expert.
Examine Roof Shingles
After winter, especially a year with severe cold weather, examine your roof’s shingles for any broken or damaged shingles that need to be replaced. The summer’s sunshine rays can harm already damaged shingles even more causing them to crack or buckle so it is best to go ahead and replace these to not cause any further damage to your roof. Any shingles missing a good amount of granules on them are also at risk with the hotter temperatures since these are what shield the shingles from ultra violet rays.
If you are unaware of what your shingle damage should or should not look like, factor in the type of shingle on your home’s roof. A damaged asphalt shingle will have cracks in them that appear as black areas or lines on the shingles surface. A cedar shingle will be curled on the ends or appear broken, split or missing if damaged. Inspect a slate roof for any black areas where the slate may be missing.
While examining shingles, also examine flashing around any vents, skylights, or chimneys for replacement or repair.
Inspect for Fungus, Algae, or Mold
While inspecting your roof for damaged shingles, also look for any invaders such as fungus, algae, or mold. These can begin growing on your roof and eventually creep into the inside of your home. If you do find instances of algae or fungus, they can usually be cleared up with a treatment of zinc. Mold is a more serious issue and will need to be treated by a professional. If you have any hesitation, it is always best to consult with a professional roofing contractor.
Check Your Gutters
Check your home’s gutters for any leaks or damage. With the springtime, heavy rains arrive that can damage your roof if drainage errors are occurring. Specifically check your roof’s valleys as they are prone to water damage as they send water down to the gutters. This is also a good time of the year to clean your gutters out of any leaves or other debris to prevent any clogging.
View Walls for Water Damage
Review the inside of your home’s walls and ceilings for any discolored areas due to water damage. This will be a sign of roof damage that is causing some sort of leakage in the interior of your home and will need to be addressed.
Review Energy Savings
Roofs can be a great source of energy savings in your home. While checking your roof’s maintenance always review the most recent energy and cost saving items available in the market. You can review the offerings with your local contractor to know what is available to you and your home. This is also a good time for a professional to check your homes insulation.
Trim Tree Limbs
If you have any trees around the surface of your roof, examine them for any weak low-bearing limbs that could fall on the top of your roof. During the winter months, trees tend become weaker, especially if they have had to bear the weight of heavy snow fall.
Roof maintenance is the hardest home maintenance item and often goes ignored since we are not physically walking or viewing our roofs on a normal basis. That’s why homeowners have to consciously make it a point to check their roof for maintenance. It is easiest to do this with the yearly seasonal changes during the year. EMA construction’s qualified roofers and staff are here to assist you with your roofing maintenance when needed, click here to contact us.