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Roof Maintenance

Roof maintenance will greatly prolong the life of your roof and the value of your property. Whether you perform some basic roof maintenance yourself or hire a professional, your roof maintenance checklist should be done regularly to keep your roof in good shape.

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What is Roof Maintenance?

Generally, you should be performing basic maintenance at least twice a year, ideally in the spring and in the fall. This timing helps you both recover from the harsher winter months and prepare for them.

A regular roof maintenance program will help you save money on large roof repairs, catch developing roof problems early (when they’re easy to fix), and add value to your home. Be sure to have your roof checked after a storm and do any needed maintenance.

Homeowner Roof Maintenance

There is a lot that a homeowner can do to maintain your roof. To start, you can use this checklist twice a year as part of your annual roof inspection and care process:
1
Inspect Your Shingles

Regularly look to see if your shingles are streaky or broken. If you have a metal roof, check for rust.

2
Check Your Chimneys

Check chimneys, skylights, and vents for leaks or other damage.

3
Clean The Debris

Check specifically in your roof valleys and in areas around skylights and chimneys. You can use a leaf blower or a broom to sweep debris off the roof.

4
Check Your Gutters

Check the gutters for debris and clean them out.

5
Check for Moss

Check for moss and remove it. You can remove the moss with a scrub brush and vinegar to help stop future growth.

6
Trim Your Branches

Trim low-hanging branches near your roof.

7
Check Your Attic

Check the ventilation in your attic for heat damage as well as mold and mildew.

8
Be Safe!

While you do need to be on your roof occasionally for maintenance, be sure to use proper safety procedures and to limit the amount of time you are up on the roof.Check the ventilation in your attic for heat damage as well as mold and mildew.

Professional Roof Maintenance

Professional roof maintenance does make a difference. While there are some maintenance steps that can be taken care of by the property owner, most of us are not trained to spot problems like the professionals can.

Professionals will inspect your roof from edge to edge, in all the nooks and crannies, and both inside and outside. Items that should be completed during a professional roof maintenance inspection include:

Visual Inspection
Your technician will keep an eye out for lifted or missing shingles, damaged edges, sagging gutters, or missing flashing.
Gutter Check & Cleaning
This basic maintenance will be your best weapon against water backup and rot.
Debris Removal
Large tree branches blown loose from storms are one of the main causes of damage.
Moss & Algae Check
Moss and algae will cause your roofing shingles to crack and create leaks. If moss or algae is present, they may clean it for you.
Re-caulk of Cracks
Your technician should pay special attention to the areas around your chimney and skylights.
Insulation Check
A properly insulated attic will help prevent ice dams and reduce moisture.

Why is Roof Maintenance Important?

A roof is one of the most important parts of your property and, as such, is an investment. How often do you check in on your other investments? Regular roof maintenance will make your roof last longer, look better, and will ultimately save you money and the hassle of an untimely replacement.

Roof maintenance can also help prevent future problems. You may discover a part of your roof that is particularly leaky or a spot where shingles often lift. These small problems become more urgent the longer they are left, which is why doing regular maintenance is so important - it will nip those problems in the bud! For example, if there is a crack in your flashing, it’s a simple and inexpensive fix. But, if it’s not caught early, then this crack can cause water damage that may cost hundreds of dollars to repair.

Roof Maintenance Near Me

When you compare the cost of a new roof to the cost of maintenance, choosing regular maintenance is a no-brainer. Finding the right inspector to do your maintenance is easy with the Storm Guard locator. Just enter your zip code to find the nearest roof maintenance assistance near you.

FAQs

Learn more about our most frequently asked roof maintenance questions

Roof maintenance is simple but important. You can maintain your roof by keeping an eye on large branches around your home, doing regular checks from the ground, and paying special attention to your roof after storms and during the winter.

Roof maintenance includes fixing shingles and flashing, cleaning off moss and algae, cleaning your gutters, and removing debris.

Regular roof maintenance will usually cost between 1-3% of the overall cost of your roof.

To make your roof last longer, avoid power washing your shingles. It’s easy for water to get underneath the shingles and break them. Be sure to check your ventilation and gutters regularly to help avoid water damage. Insulate your attic to help avoid ice dams and water damage.

The life of a roof is about 20 years. Some signs it may be time for a new roof are cracked shingles and bald spots where shingles are missing. Check in your attic and look for beams of light and water stains. Another clue is if you can’t seem to get rid of moss on your roof. It may be your signal that the time has come for a major renovation or replacement.