Exposure to harsh weather from driving rain, the beating sun, wind, hail, and snow makes your roof susceptible to damage. As a result, regular inspection and maintenance on your roof are vital in order to ensure the longevity and condition of this extremely important building structure. Indeed, most experts recommend that home owners schedule annual checkups and maintenance with a qualified roofing professional.
Inspection
Basic roof inspections are designed to catch the warning signs of potential problems on your roof before they pose a significant risk. Cracked caulk, rust spots on flashing and fixtures, curled or blistered shingles, and areas of wear around chimneys and skylights are just a few examples of signs that your roof needs maintenance. Your roofing contractor is best equipped to provide thorough and effective inspections of your roof. They know the obvious signs of damage as well as more subtle signs such as asphalt granules in your gutters or roof stains that signify underlying decay.
Moreover, your roofer should also be able to spot the early signs of a roof leak. From stained ceilings and peeling paint under roof overhangs to damp spots along fireplaces, a professional will spot signs of a leak and then identify the source of the leak to make the necessary repairs.
Maintenance
When it comes to maintenance, your roofer will provide a number of services. Leaf and debris removal, pruning overhanging branches, preventing ice dams, cleaning gutters, removing moss, and completing basic repairs are just a few of the maintenance tasks best left to a trained roofing professional.
Remove leaves and debris – Tall trees in the vicinity of your roof may cause leaves and other debris to pile up and collect in roof valleys or near chimneys. Left on your roof, this organic material will trap moisture, decompose, and ultimately cause more serious damage to your roof.
Prune overhanging branches – By trimming overhanging branches, your roofer will prevent leaves and moss from collecting on your roof. In addition, by limiting the amount of organic debris on your roof, you will also keep squirrels and other critters off your roof therefore preventing them from chewing on roofing materials.
Prevent and remove ice dams – Ice dams form as temperatures drop, and they’re a common problem in climates that see a lot of snow through the winter. Proper roof maintenance helps to prevent ice dams from forming, but your roofer may also need to come out during the winter to remove built-up ice. Ice dams can warp and damage roofing materials and are often culpable when it comes to roof leaks.
Clean gutters – As organic debris collects in gutters, it clogs them and prevents the proper functioning of your rainwater collection system. Subsequently, roofing structures and siding can become damaged, and water can overflow from gutters and even flood your home. Moreover, as water backs up, wood structures begin to rot and insect infestations can result. Regular gutter cleaning is an integral aspect of roof maintenance.
