Performing roof maintenance can prevent costly repairs down the road. It will also keep your roof at its expected service life.
It’s a good idea to visually inspect your roof twice yearly and after severe weather. It is also important to keep debris off the roof. Visit https://www.ellingsonroofing.com/roofing-helena-mt for more details.
Debris may allow algae, moss or mold to grow on the shingles. It can also block the drain lines or clog gutters.
A roof’s flashing is important for waterproofing. It helps to deflect water and prevent leaks in areas where the roof meets a wall or other projection, like chimneys or skylights. When flashing is damaged or missing, it can lead to leaking and structural damage in the building.
A home inspector will check the flashing as part of a complete roof inspection. This involves climbing onto the roof, using proper personal protective equipment, and inspecting the area for cracks and gaps in the flashing as well as rust and corrosion. In some cases, it is necessary to replace the flashing entirely.
Flashing consists of strips of metal, typically aluminum or galvanized steel, installed to provide additional protection at joints and corners where roof surfaces meet other structures. It also helps waterproof areas where a roof opens up to accept an entrance like a window, door, or chimney.
The flashing is usually covered by a caulking that acts as another layer of defense against moisture. However, caulk can degrade over time, especially in climates with high winds or heavy snowfall. When this occurs, the caulking should be removed and replaced with a new application of caulking.
Other signs of flashing problems include staining or discoloration, which can indicate the presence of water intrusion. Leaks in the flashing can cause moisture to penetrate through the roofing and into the walls, insulation, and interior of a building.
During a roof inspection, the home inspector will note any visible stains or discoloration in the attic and ceiling to determine whether these are caused by moisture penetration. The inspector will also check for drips at the edge of a roof where it intersects a wall or other structure.
The home inspector will also look at the step flashing and roof-wall water diverters to see if these are properly installed to protect against moisture intrusion. The steps of the flashing should be extended up behind the exterior wall cladding to avoid moisture from coming into contact with the wall and damaging the insulation and cladding. In some instances, the flashing is not correctly extended up to the top of a chimney or other roof penetration.
Clean the Gutters
Gutters are essential for roof drainage but, when clogged with leaves, twigs, and debris, they cannot function properly. This causes water damage to the roof and structure of your home. A regular cleaning schedule helps to prevent the need for expensive repairs.
Rainwater that is allowed to pool on the roof can deteriorate the shingles, and a clogged gutter may cause the water to spill over onto the house and damage the siding. It can also rot wooden support structures and lead to foundation damage. A clogged gutter can also cause basement flooding, and it creates a damp environment that promotes the growth of mold and mildew. In cold environments, trapped water can freeze and form ice dams that further impede the flow of rainwater.
Gutter cleaning is a job that most homeowners prefer to do themselves, and many choose to do it twice a year, once in late fall and once in early spring, as part of the roof maintenance checklist. However, this is a task that requires the use of ladders or other safety equipment to ensure your own personal safety. For this reason, we recommend hiring a professional to perform the service, especially if your home has multiple stories or a complex roof design.
Whether it is done by hand or with the use of a ladder, it is important to take the time to remove any large items such as fallen leaves, twigs, or branches. Then, it is a good idea to flush out the gutter system with a garden hose or a pressure washer. This will help to loosen any accumulated dirt and debris so that it is easier to remove.
Some homeowners have found it useful to invest in a telescopic gutter cleaning tool that attaches to the end of a garden hose. This extends the reach of the hose, allowing you to clean out your gutters without having to climb a ladder. This tool can be purchased at most hardware and home improvement stores. Another option is to install a gutter guard that allows water to pass through while blocking leaves and other debris.
Trim Tree Branches
Trees surrounding your home add beauty and provide a great deal of shade, but these green giants can also cause serious problems when they’re not properly maintained. Unstable trees or limbs that hang over your roof can cause costly damage if they fall during a storm. This is why it’s important to trim the branches regularly so that they stay away from your house.
Overhanging limbs are a real risk to your roof because they can rub against it during high winds or heavy storms, which could result in shingle damage and punctures. In addition, these limbs are likely to break off and fall during a storm. By regularly trimming the trees around your home, you can prevent this from happening and save yourself from expensive repairs.
A Certified Arborist knows how far tree limbs should be from a home and can help you keep them at a safe distance. Ideally, tree limbs should be at least 6 feet from the roofline. If they get too close, it’s a good idea to have them trimmed by a professional.
Besides causing structural damage, overhanging branches can also allow pests and animals to gain access to your home. These critters can enter your house through the attic or other areas of the structure. They can then cause costly repair work to your home’s roof and other areas of the property.
If you’re handling tree trimming on your own, it’s important to know how to do so properly. A wrong cut can cause the branch to fall and damage your home or injury someone. To make the right cuts, start by examining the limb to see if it’s dead or diseased. Then, cut it about a foot away from the branch collar. Then, make a second cut about halfway through the underside of the limb, then move up and out on the top of the limb until it breaks off.
When you’re cutting a tree limb over your roof, it’s a good idea to use a rope and ladder so that you can stay safe. When you’re done, remember to place the discarded limb in a garbage bag or other container to avoid littering the area.
Inspect the Shingles
When it comes to roof maintenance, the most important step is examining the shingles. Check for cracked, broken, or missing shingles; gaps allow water to seep into the underlayment and cause damage. Examine shingles for discoloration or algae growth; these can indicate that moisture has penetrated the shingle and caused rot. Also look for curled or buckling shingles, which can indicate heat damage and poor ventilation. Finally, if you notice a large amount of granules on the ground, this is a good indication that your shingles are reaching the end of their lifespan and will need to be replaced soon.
After walking around your home from the ground, climb onto the ladder and start your inspection from the top of the roof. It’s best to have a partner for this part of the job, so one person can hold the ladder while the other checks the surface for problems. Look for water stains in the ceilings and walls, as well as bare patches of wood near the roof edges. It’s also a good idea to check for animal nests and droppings.
The next step is to check the gutters for clogs and debris. A clogged gutter can lead to roof leaks and shingle damage, so it’s essential to keep it clear of leaves, branches, and other debris. Check the eaves and flashing for signs of moisture or rot, as well as fungus and plant growth. It’s especially important to inspect your roof after a storm, as any debris that was blown onto the shingles could cause additional damage.
It’s also a good idea to examine the metal components of your roof, including vents and valleys, for any signs of damage or rust. Dents on the metal can be a sign of hail damage, which can cause serious problems if left untreated. If you find any dents, contact your roofing contractor right away. He or she will be able to determine the extent of the damage and recommend the proper repairs.