How to do Proper Roof Maintenance?
When it comes to house repairs and maintenance, the roof is often overlooked because most homeowners know that the average lifespan of a roof is around 20-25 years. This is only true if your roof is well maintained and inspected at least every 3 years. If you detect any problems with your roof early enough, you can prevent it from becoming a more costly repair later on. In this article, let’s take a look at how to spot the signs and tackle the task of undertaking proper DIY roof maintenance.
KNOW THE TERMINOLOGY
Whether you are shopping for DIY materials or want to consult a professional about a roofing issue, below is a handy illustration that will help you know your dormer from your downspout.
SAFETY FIRST
Roof repair doesn’t have to be a dangerous task, if you are prepared with the correct PPE and know how to keep your work environment safe.
Consider the following:
- Personal Protective Equipment: Wear gloves when working with roofing cement and wear shoes with rubberised soles with a good grip, so you don’t slip and fall. A safety harness is also recommended.
- Ladder Safety: Always have another person assist you when climbing up a ladder and onto the roof, never do it alone.
- The Sun: Don’t work at night, but when you do work during the day, wear a shirt, cap and sunscreen while you’re on the roof.
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WANT TO ENSURE YOUR ROOF STAYS IN TIP-TOP SHAPE?
Here is a list of things you should do on a regular basis:
1. CHECK FOR LEAKS
Detecting leaks early enough can prevent extensive or expensive damage to your roof, your house, and even the foundation. Sometimes the early signs of leaks can be so hard to spot - the most common signs of leaks are:
- Musty odours in certain rooms
- Water stains on the ceiling
- Spots on exterior walls
- Bulging patches on interior walls
- Cracked ceiling or wall paint
- Peeling wallpaper
Also inspect the interior of your ceiling, and if your house has one, your attic. Check the wood for signs of mould and wood-eating insects like termites.
2. INSPECT YOUR ROOF
Inspect the exterior of your house and look for loose, broken, curling or missing shingles. This can instantly detract from the curb appeal of your house, as well as leave parts of your roof structure dangerously exposed to the elements.
Inspect the flashing all along the edge of the roof, especially around the chimney. Treat any of these damaged areas with corrosion-resistant paint.
PROTIP: To avoid climbing up a ladder to inspect the fascia and eaves of the roof, inspect your roof using a pair of binoculars or simply take a picture with your phone, and then zoom in on the picture to inspect the damage more closely.
3. IF YOU HAVE AN ATTIC, CHECK FOR VENTILATION & INSULATION
If your attic space is properly insulated, it can help keep the roof of your house in great condition. It can also contribute to a steadier flow of temperature in your house.
Many roofs aren’t built with proper ventilation, which means that heat damage can easily occur in most roofing structures. Improper roof ventilation can also cause dry rot.
Simply drill some tiny holes through the soffit vents, so that air can filter through and out the top.
4. CHECK YOUR GUTTERS
The first easy sign of a fix is if your gutters are loose, even in the slightest. Fasten them where necessary to ensure they don’t pull at the roof and cause any damage or over time or during heavy weather.
Next, check all along the gutters for leaks and clogs. These are the two most common problems gutters face, making them heavy and causing them to pull on the roof. Clogged gutters can also cause water to leak behind your fascia boards or into the internal structure of the roof.
Depending on the weather in your area, it is recommended you clean out your gutters and check for maintenance about once per season.
5. TRIM THE TREES
Trees surrounding a house can look beautiful, but they can also cause a lot of damage if not properly maintained. Overgrown branches can rub or scrape against the roof, causing damage to roof shingles by causing weakening abrasions and holes. Excessive tree leaves can also fall into the gutters causing them to clog.
Trimming back the trees will contribute to keeping your roof in tip-top shape.
6. REMOVE DEBRIS
Checking for debris periodically to make sure there’s no dirt, loose objects or any other foreign materials on your roof is essential. Make sure you get rid of any debris after heavy weather, because it can accumulate quickly, leading to bigger problems.
When checking your roof for debris pay special attention to any valleys, areas around chimneys and skylights, dirt and debris accumulate quickly in these areas and can cause corrosion.
7. PATCH UP YOUR FLASHING, CHIMNEYS, SKYLIGHTS & VENT OPENINGS
The flashing is the covering that can be found around any area where there is a clear split or gap in the roof, such as skylights, chimneys, etc. If there is any loose flashing, it can lead to leaks and a whole variety of other serious roof issues. To fix your damaged flashing, fill the joints around it with roof cement to seal it properly.
Chimneys can undergo weather and foundational shift damage over time, so it’s always best to regularly check your chimney for any cracks, loose bricks, or missing mortar. Any damage of this nature to your chimney can also cause bricks to fall out onto your roof, seriously damaging it. If your chimney is sloping or leaning, it can be an early warning sign of foundational weakness in your house and it might be time to call in an expert.
8. CHECKING SHINGLES
Shingles are the tiles that are layered onto your roof to cover it. It’s a good idea to regularly check your roof for cracked shingles, loose tiles and to look for any signs of corroded or corrosive damage. If a shingle tile starts giving off debris, then it’s old and needs to be replaced, and it can be quite simple to replace an asphalt shingle yourself.
CAUTION: If you need extensive shingle replacement on your roof, it is best to consult a professional to do the job, to prevent any serious damage from occurring.
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Check out our article about selecting the best roof shingles and materials, by clicking here.
9. CHECK FOR MOSS
Moss can grow roots which can uplift shingles and cause serious damage to your roof. Fortunately, it only requires some light elbow grease and a household anti-fungal cleaner to rid your roof of moss. Start by using soft-bristle scrubbing brush to remove the moss from the roof substrate. If you have a tiled roof, always scrub from the top down to avoid lifting shingles. When all the moss is removed treat the area with a light spray of anti-fungal cleaner.
PROTIP:
Install copper-zinc strips just beneath your roof`s peak, so when it rains the copper molecules stream down the roof, killing any algae trying to make a comeback.
10. WASH YOUR ROOF
For any shingle-covered roof, this will be part of your long-term maintenance routine to maintain a healthy roof. Eventually, your roof will start to appear dirty, and long dark streaks start flowing from the peak to the eaves. This is due to algae that grows during humid conditions, especially on any North facing roofs, or roofs that spend a lot of time being covered in the shade. Shingles with these signs will eventually start to rot and will need to be replaced, unless they washed regularly enough.
When it comes to washing your shingles, many recommend using bleach or a mix containing bleach. This is NOT a good idea, because it can be corrosive to shingles. It’s best to use a selected special roof cleaner solution instead.
CAUTION:
DO NOT power-wash your roof, EVER. This puts an immense amount of pressure on the shingles and it also contributes to their erosion over time.
NOT SURE? RATHER LET THE PRO’s LOOK AT IT
If your roof has extensive damage or needs specialist repairs, it is always better, and cheaper in the long run, to call in a professional. A roof specialist might be able to pick up problems that you are unaware of. A good roof specialist can even estimate how many more years your roof will last before major repairs and replacements have to be implemented.
Luckily, BUCO has all the friendly expert advice and roofing project materials at the best price. If you are unsure about a roof issue, come and ask us in-store, so we can help you keep your roof in tip-top shape.