Roof maintenance is an essential step in protecting your assets. It, quite literally, can keep a roof over your head. Every day, your roof is exposed to mother nature. Everything she throws at you from beautiful sunshine and the harsh winter
chill can contribute to decay and deterioration of your roof. This is why it is necessary to develop a good habit of preventative roof maintenance every six months.
A walk around the perimeter of your house now to assess roof damage could help you avoid more major issues down the road. The best time to inspect your roof is after summer and after winter. These seasons usually cause the most weather-related stress to your roof. It’s also a good idea to check out your roof after a severe weather event like high winds and heavy rains. You will be able to spot obvious damage from the ground. But you will want a closer look. That is where the following roof maintenance checklist comes in.
You will want to grab a ladder to go through your checklist. You will be able to more closely examine your roof for potential problems. The checklist will allow you to note any issues and then prioritize them for repair. Here is what to look for:
You will want to make sure all debris is cleared off the roof. This includes dirt, rocks, branches, leaves, etc. These can clog drains and cause roofing surfaces to rot or decay prematurely.
Tree branches can damage the roof membrane. Remove any overhanging tree branches or anything else that could penetrate the roof surface. Its may be necessary to contact a tree trimming or removal service.
Inspect all areas for leaks and deterioration. Pay attention to stains and discoloration of the roof edges and surrounding walls as they are possible indications of a leak. Also, check for any loose or missing roofing pieces or shingles. Any fungus or moss growing on the roof should be removed immediately before they begin to deteriorate the surface of the roof.
Inspect and ensure all equipment is properly flashed, sealed and watertight. Make sure they are not pulling away from the roof or leaving gaps. This can be an indication that you may have leaking or serious damage to your roof membrane.
Clean out drains and gutters to ensure proper drainage and prevent pooling water. Moss, watermarks, and mold are all signs of clogged drains.
You will want to pay close attention to chimneys, vents, pipes, and skylights. Any external structural equipment should each appear separately on your checklist. Look for structural damage such as bent elements, missing parts, cracks, sagging pipes, or supports digging into the roof membrane. Also look for signs of aging such as peeling paint, rust, rot, and moss or fungus.
Double check to make sure previous issues has been fixed and still working correctly. Old repairs are often the first things to fail. List each repair separately on your roof maintenance checklist so you remember what to look for.
Some of the things that you’ll find during your roof inspection may be fairly easy to fix, particularly if they are confined to one or two small areas on the roof. Be sure to address the minor issues like missing caulk or the occasional cracked, missing, or curling shingle right away to prevent leaks and moisture damage as part of your overall roof maintenance plan.
However, your inspection may detect some more major issues. If there are curling, cracked, or damaged shingles all over the roof, however, this can be a sign of a more serious problem. If you spot any green mold or discoloration growing on your roof, it can be a sign decay and water damage beneath the shingles. Of course, a professional inspection will always be your best line of defense.
All-Nu Construction can help. We can perform a thorough roof inspection to determine repairs that need to be made and the lifespan of your roof. All-Nu also has you covered if you need roof repairs or replacement. Contact us at All-Nu Construction today.