Your roof is an important barrier between you and the outside elements. It is easy for small issues to grow into major problems that can cost thousands of dollars to repair.

Having your roof regularly inspected for damage is the best way to catch these issues before they become costly. Several roofing maintenance tasks can be performed at home. View Our Site to learn more.

Roof flashing is the number one defense (and in some cases, the only defense) your roof has against leaks at points where the roof meets other structures or features. These include chimneys, skylights, vents and other features that penetrate the roof. Effective flashing prevents water from entering these areas, extending the life of the roof and reducing costly damage and repair costs.

To do its job, flashing is installed over the entire joint, covering both sides of the gap. It’s made of metal, typically aluminum or copper, and is shaped to match the contours of your roof. If the flashing isn’t installed properly, it can allow water to enter the roof and lead to rot, mold, dry rot or other serious structural problems.

Most roof leaks occur around the chimney, at roof corners and around skylights and other penetrations of the roof. It’s not uncommon for these leaks to be the result of improper flashing installation. But if you keep up with your roofing maintenance, you can often spot flashing problems before they cause major leaks.

A good inspection of your flashing starts at the attic, where you should look for water stains or other indications of leaks. You can also check the flashing itself for discoloration and rust. Flashing is designed to be flexible, but over time, it can become brittle or cracked and begin to degrade. This is why it’s important to replace flashing that shows signs of deterioration.

If you find a problem with your flashing, the first step is to take a ladder up to the roof and gently pry up a few shingles to expose the flashing. You may have to remove more shingles if the flashing is damaged.

If the flashing is damaged, you should remove the shingle and apply roofing cement to the top edge of the flashing. You can also apply a thin bead of caulk over the joint to ensure it’s watertight. Be sure to use a waterproof caulk designed for the type of roof you have. Typically, copper or galvanized steel caulk will work well for roof flashing, while a plastic caulk is ideal for wood flashing.

Inspect the Shingles

The shingles on your roof protect it from rain, sun damage, and other issues. They also add a decorative element to your home. However, shingles are not indestructible, and they must be replaced from time to time. If they aren’t replaced, your house will be exposed to the elements and may suffer from water leaks.

During a roof tune-up, your roofing contractor will check the condition of the shingles. They will look for cracked shingles, bald spots, and other signs of wear. They will also inspect the flashing around the chimney, sunroof, and vent pipes. If they find any rust or cracks, the contractors will need to replace them. They will also look for masses of moss and lichen, which can be a sign that the roofing materials are decaying.

A trained eye will be able to spot these problems from the ground, without needing to climb up on the roof. This can save you the trouble and danger of climbing a ladder, and it can help your roof last longer.

Missing shingles are an easy problem to detect from the ground. You can also look for areas of the roof that seem to be sagging. Sagging sections may indicate structural problems with the roof, and they are more likely to leak.

Cracked shingles can also be difficult to notice from the ground. However, if you look closely at the cracked area, you might be able to see that the shingle has changed color from its original shade. The change in color can be caused by the sun, or it may be a sign that the shingle is about to break apart.

Another thing to watch for is if the shingles are curled upward or have buckling. The buckling usually occurs along the edges of the shingles, and it can lead to water leaks in your home.

If you notice that the shingles on your roof are curling, it’s important to contact a roofing company right away. They can advise you about the best way to fix the problem. They can even replace the entire roof if necessary.

Clean the Gutters

The gutters on a roof serve the important function of collecting rainwater and diverting it through downspouts away from the foundation of a house. However, over time, they can become clogged with leaves and other debris. If left unattended, this can lead to water leaking into the home and damaging the walls, foundation and basement of a building. The best way to prevent this from happening is by cleaning the gutters regularly. Gutters that are clogged can also cause damage to the roofing, causing it to sag or pull away from the roof. It’s typically recommended that homeowners clean the gutters twice a year, once in late spring and once in early fall.

The traditional method of cleaning the gutters involves climbing a ladder and using a hand tool to scoop up debris. While this is a safe and effective technique, it can be quite cumbersome and time-consuming.

An easier alternative is to use a power washer and extension wand to wash away the gunk from the gutters. This method is quicker and allows you to remain on the ground, making it a safer option for those who aren’t comfortable using a ladder.

Another great tool for cleaning the gutters is a wet/dry vacuum with a long hose attachment. These tools are available at many online retailers and hardware stores, and can be used to safely and effectively remove the debris from the gutters without having to climb a ladder. Once the gutters are cleaned, they should be rinsed down with a hose to ensure that any remaining debris is flushed out.

After the gutters are cleaned, any debris that has been blown onto the ground should be swept or raked up to prevent staining and other hazards. The gutters should then be thoroughly inspected for damage, and any downspouts that are clogged should be cleared out to keep the rainwater flowing properly. It’s also a good idea to patch any holes or cracks that may be found, as well as reseal the joints in the gutters. By performing regular maintenance on your roof, you can prolong its lifespan and protect the rest of your home from damages caused by storms and other events.

Inspect the Insulation

The roofing system is the first line of defense between the elements and the rest of your home. A roof in disrepair can lead to leaks, mold, and structural damage, so it’s crucial that any problems be identified as soon as possible through routine inspections. This helps homeowners avoid costly repairs and extends the lifespan of their roofs.

Roofs are constantly exposed to sunlight, rain, wind, and snow, which can gradually wear down the materials over time. This can cause shingles to crack, tiles to loosen, and flashing to deteriorate, which can lead to leaks and other issues. Detecting these issues early through regular inspections can help prevent expensive repairs and extend the lifespan of your roof.

As part of a roof maintenance program, a certified and licensed professional inspector will check the condition of the shingles or tiles, attic ventilation, gutter systems, chimneys, skylights, and roof penetrations. They’ll also look for signs of water intrusion in the attic, such as damp insulation or wood rot, and note any areas that have been damaged by weather or debris. The professional will also assess the condition of the rafters, trusses, and beams to make sure that they’re free from any damage or wear and tear that could compromise the integrity of the structure.

Finally, the professional will inspect the attic space for adequate insulation and ventilation, which are important factors in maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature while reducing energy costs. Moisture buildup in the attic can lead to rotting and mold growth, which can be costly to repair and affect air quality inside the home. Regular maintenance can identify these issues before they become serious and costly.

A roof is the first line of defense against the elements, protecting your home from rain, snow, and sun. By investing in a roofing maintenance program, you can keep your family and property safe. Contact a professional roofer to schedule your next roof inspection today!