7 TIPS TO MAINTAIN YOUR ROOF

In order to make sure your roof stands the test of time and lasts as long as possible there are some simple tips to maintain your roof.  Seasonal or yearly roof inspections will extend the roof and integrity of your roof, preventing leaks, damage and costly repairs.

Here is a quick list of 7 simple tips to maintain your roof:

1. Inspect Your Shingles
Inspect your shingles, yearly, especially after the stormy summer months. While wind and persistent rain can be the culprit of shingle damage, ultraviolet light from the sun can also wreak havoc over time, causing shingles to crack. ​

2. Trim Branches
If you have overhanging branches, make sure to have them trimmed before winter, no matter the size.  The heavy wind, snow and ice can cause branches to fall on the roof, causing roof damage.

3. Unclog Gutters
Many of us are familiar was the grueling task of cleaning out gutters and the problems that can come from clogged gutters. But one of the main issues with clogged cutters, is the debris causing water to pool rather then run down the gutter as it should. Over time, the water can damage the roof, as well as the critical support beams. So be sure to clean out your gutters each fall and spring season. 

4. Monitor Moss
Overgrown moss on rooflines can quickly grow into a big issue.  Moss grows between shingles. Over time, it will bulk up and actually lift the shingles away from the roof, meaning water can get inside. Moss also retains water, causing wood rot over time. Zinc sulphate granules are recommended to be sprinkled on the roof systematically and seasonally to help avoid moss overgrowth.

5. Insulate/Ventilate
Ventilation and insulation of your attic is another vital part of maintaining your roof and the energy efficiency of your home. Warm air will rise, contact the cold, inside plywood of the roof and create condensation, which inevitably leads to mold growth and rotting plywood. Make sure vents are allowing for the proper amount of air circulation. Properly ventilated and insulated roofs will also save you money on your electric bill since your AC unit won’t have to work as hard to keep the house cool.

6. Prevent Ice Dams
Roofs are especially susceptible to ice dams after heavy snowfall. Warm air in the attic causes the roof itself to warm up, melting the snow. Those trickly rivulets of water then refreeze when they reach colder portions of the roof creating troublesome ice damns. Next thing you know, additional meltwater gets trapped and starts to seep through the roof, staining ceilings and peeling paint. To prevent ice dams, go back and recheck your insulation and ventilation to make sure that your attic stays cool enough in the winter to keep ice dams from forming in the first place. As we move into the cooler fall and winter months, it’s really important to work to prevent ice dams.

7. Caulk the Flashings
Flashings are those strips of metal (usually aluminum, galvanized metal, or lead) that run along roof edges or joints. Flashing is necessary to divert water or to keep water out of tricky areas that shingles can’t cover, for example around chimneys and sunlights. They can rust, crack, lift, or separate depending on their installation. This means that a vital piece of roof protection is no longer functioning properly. Consider sealing the flashing with caulk at the places where it has become loose or separated. 

If you have questions about your roof or would like to get more information about our roofing services, contact us today at 214-945-9825 or info@callbigfish.com.