The Homeowner’s Simple Roof Maintenance Checklist
Taking great care of your roof throughout the year can help you avoid extensive wear and tear that may necessitate pricey roof repairs. Routine roof maintenance can also help ensure you get the longest life possible out of your roof, so you don’t have to replace it prematurely.
Although it might seem like an onerous task, roof maintenance is actually quite simple and straightforward. Follow our brief checklist below to start taking excellent care of your roof.
Inspect the Surface of Your Roof Regularly
If you want to keep your roof in great condition, the most important thing you can do is inspect it regularly. Ideally, you should inspect the roof once per season (spring, summer, autumn, and winter) and after every bout of severe weather. Giving your roof this kind of routine attention will allow you to detect any minor issues, so you can address them before they grow more severe.
For safety’s sake, it’s in your best interest to perform a ground-based roof inspection rather than climbing up onto your roof. If you can see any of the following issues from the ground, contact a roofing contractor to schedule a comprehensive inspection:
- Missing shingles or tiles
- Curling or loose shingles
- A significant amount of missing shingle granules
- Cracked or peeling shingles
- Dents in the surface of the roof
- Damaged soffit or fascia
Clean Your Roof and Remove Organic Growths
When lichen, moss, or any other type of outdoor debris accumulates on top of your house, it can hold moisture against your roof. If you don’t clean it off, that moisture can eventually seep beneath the surface of the roof and prompt deterioration or mold growth. That’s why cleaning your roof regularly is a critical step in the maintenance process.
If your roof is prone to developing moss or lichen, you should have it cleaned once a year. And any time you notice considerable buildup of pine needles, twigs, and other debris, clean it off promptly. Again, in the interest of safety, it’s best to let a pro handle any maintenance tasks that involve climbing onto your roof.
Keep Your Gutters and Downspouts Clean and Intact
When your gutters and downspouts get clogged with debris, water can easily seep beneath the edges of your roof, where it can cause considerable damage if left undetected. That’s why keeping your gutter system clean is critical for maintaining a high-performing roof.
It’s a good idea to perform a thorough gutter inspection and cleaning twice per year, once in the spring and once in the fall. Make sure you remove all debris from both the gutter troughs and downspouts and give them a good rinse to make sure there are no leaks.
If you notice any deterioration while you’re cleaning, take care of any necessary gutter repairs promptly. Maintaining a clean and fully intact gutter system is one of the simplest things you can do to protect both your roof and foundation from water damage.
Handle Storm Damage and Other Roof Repairs Promptly
In Texas, we get our fair share of severe weather throughout the summer. High winds and heavy hail can easily damage your roof, so when the skies clear, head outdoors to inspect for signs of storm-related roof damage. If you notice anything unusual, call a roofing contractor to schedule a comprehensive inspection.
Even if you can’t see any roof issues from the ground after a particularly bad storm, it may be a good idea to schedule a professional inspection anyway. Just because you can’t detect the damage on your own doesn’t mean it isn’t there.
Look for Signs of Leaks in Your Attic
Roof damage isn’t always evident from the outside. However, if you head into your attic and look around, you may find evidence of water intrusion, which indicates there are leaks in your roof. Here’s what you need to keep an eye out for while you’re giving your attic a once-over:
- Water stains
- Patches of mold or mildew
- Black markings on rafter or roof sheathing
- Damp insulation
If you observe any of the above issues, call in the pros for a thorough roof inspection. It can be tough to locate the source of water intrusion in your attic since gravity pulls water downward as soon as it enters the space. Any stains you find or areas of mold growth don’t necessarily indicate there’s a leak in that area. However, a highly trained pro can find the offending leak(s) quickly and handle the necessary repairs too.
Trim Back Large Tree Branches
If you have large trees on your property that have overhanging branches that might threaten your roof during heavy winds, trim them back and keep them away from your roof. This is an easy way to help prevent heavy debris from falling on your roof during a storm and causing considerable damage.
Schedule a Roof Inspection With Paradigm Roofing Today
Worried your roof might have some damage that needs professional attention? Get in touch with our team at Paradigm Roofing so we can help you out. We specialize in roof repairs, replacement, and new installations and serve Dallas County, Collin County, and Tarrant County. To learn more about our services or schedule an appointment, give us a call today at (972) 542-7774 or contact us online.