Your home can never be quite complete without a roof, so taking adequate care of them should be a priority. Roofs do not come cheap and cost quite a penny to repair or replace.
Thankfully, roofs are known to last 25 years or longer. Still, the best roofs require regular upkeep, and you still have to do anything you can to extend their lifespan so that you can get the most out of your roofs.
While it is essential to check your roofs regularly, no homeowner has ever complained of having too much idle time on their hands. There’s always a lot of work to be done and never enough time or resources.
To make roof maintenance easy, here is a list of things to look for and check off.
Areas of Concern to Check Off on a Roof Maintenance Checklist
Overhanging Branches
Trees are known for being a source of beauty and shelter, but they pose a great threat to your roofs. Overhanging branches can always break off, fall on your roof and cause dents; they could also give squirrels unwanted access to your roof. By constantly scraping and touching your roof, abrasion can occur and cause possible shingle damage. You should always ensure that branches are kept at least 10 feet away so that even on the windiest days, there’s no possibility of them brushing your roof or shingles. Trimming large trees that grow close to your roofs will prevent impact damage and avoid an accumulation of dropping leaves.
Wet Areas and Leakages
Pay attention to moisture buildups and leaks on your ceiling. Be on the lookout for musty odors in rooms, wet spots or water stains on ceilings, bulging patches, water-clogged rotten logs, etc. You should trace the source of the leak and either patch up the hole if you are skilled enough or let a professional do it for you.
Internal Damage
Do not forget to check your attic for signs of roof damage. Always look for peeling paints, cracks, water stains, and tiny holes where light comes in through. Rot, moss, and algae buildups are also part of what you should look for.
Clogged Gutters
Gutters are supposed to direct the flow of water and steer them away from your shingles. A clogged gutter will lead to water overflow and cause your roof and fascia to rot. You should always clean out your gutters at least twice a year. You can also install gutter guards if debris buildup is a problem. Fixing roof rot may cost thousands of precious dollars, but cleaning out your gutters will let your roof remain dry and prevent that from happening.
Cracked Caulking
Caulks act as sealants around your chimney and vent pipes. They help to seal gaps and glue materials together. You should always inspect the caulks around your roof flashings and vent pipes. Check for missing, peeling or worn-out caulks and simply replace them. Scrap away old caulks and recaulk areas that have become unstuck.
Damaged Shingles
You should always inspect your roof at any chance you get. You do not even need to climb or get too close to inspect your shingles. You can check for missing, cracked, or peeling shingles with a pair of binoculars. Your roof is not susceptible to water and wind damage alone; UV rays from the sun can do more harm than good. Ensuring your shingles are correctly installed and working properly saves you a lot of money and potential worry.
Buildup of Dirt
Ensure that your roof looks good at all times. You do not have to wait until it becomes an eyesore before you clean out debris and leaf buildups. Over time, your roof will start looking dirty and unsightly if you do not take proper care of it. Cleaning your roof will eliminate unwanted materials and prevent them from decomposing and causing roof rot. Check your roof regularly and get rid of any form of debris immediately.
Roof Flashings
Roof flashings serve as waterproof protections for areas where two roof planes meet. They are also prone to rust, and wear and tear -depending on how they were installed. You should always check for lifted flashings, rusted, dented, or rotting flashings, missing nails and flashings that are out of place. You should always seek professional help in determining whether your flashings need to be repaired or replaced.
Professional Roof Inspection
When carrying out roof inspections, it is recommended that you enlist the help of professional roof contractors. Not only do they have the necessary equipment, but they also have years of experience and can easily identify and fix roofing problems before they become too extreme. Also, why risk falling from great heights when performing roof inspections or missing necessary details due to inexperience when you can easily get an expert to do it at an affordable cost?
Our Shoreline roofers are trained to guarantee your satisfaction and offer exquisite craftsmanship. They are skilled professionals with years of roofing experience and can guarantee your peace of mind because they know exactly what to do and how to do it.
The Best Roof Contractors in Victoria, BC
Is it time to get your roof checked and carry out much-needed roof maintenance? Schedule a consultation with Shoreline Roofing today and get heaven-sent solutions to all your roofing problems. Do not postpone it.