The Essential Roof Maintenance Checklist
Check Your Shingles Regularly
So, how do you maintain a roof? Well, the first step is simply to check up on it as often as possible, especially after a heavy storm or high winds. The good news is that you don’t have to clamber up a ladder to get a good look at your roof. Instead, all you need is a good pair of binoculars to see any potential problems. Here’s what we look for when inspecting your roof:
Every year, millions of homeowners replace their roof, either because it has reached the end of its lifespan or the last storm really did a number on it. But even though everyone eventually needs to replace their roof, there are several roof maintenance tips for shingle roofs you can use to extend your roofs lifespan.
Any of the above signs of damage should be looked at as soon as possible, preferably by a professional roofing contractor who can safely make the necessary repairs.
Get a Professional Roof Inspection
If you are not comfortable checking your own roof we can do it for you. We offer free roof inspections. An inspector will be able to spot potential problems you might’ve missed, as well as provide you with invaluable tips for maintaining your roof. They’ll also give you a rough idea of how many more years it will last. We recommend having your roof checked when it's 10 years old, then every 2.5 years until it's 15 years old, and then every year for its remaining lifespan. This will increase your chances of finding potential problems before they cause leaks.
Look for Leaks in Your Attic & Ceilings
Another good tip that your roof needs maintenance is finding water stains inside your house. You should be checking your ceilings and attic just as regularly as your roof itself for water damage to head off any serious issues. The most common warning signs of a leak are:
If you notice any of these signs, your next step is to locate the leak and call in a professional to patch up the hole in your roof.
DIY Repair Suggestions
Remove Debris and Treat Algae
A key piece of advice when it comes to maintaining a shingle roof is to remove debris and treat algae stains. At some point, your roof will start to look dirty, with long, dark streaks flowing from peak to eave. This is algae growing on your house. Algae won’t cause any immediate damage, but if you leave it long enough it can slowly rot your shingles. Removing leaf debris will keep water flowing off your roof.
Clean Your Gutters
No roof maintenance checklist would be complete without this tip. Though it’s a dirty job, cleaning out your gutters is an essential part of maintaining your roof. Clogged gutters make it easy for water to seep under the structure of your roof, creating more than just a few water stains. Most experts recommend cleaning them out twice a year, once in late spring and again in early fall, as part of a regular fall home maintenance checklist.
Trim Any Overhanging Branches
Tree branches can be a problem for a few reasons, the most obvious being the risk of them falling on your roof during severe weather. Be vigilant when it comes to your landscaping and cut off any large branches that are directly over your roof. This will help reduce storm damage, while also preventing leaves from piling on top of your shingles, absorbing moisture and eventually rotting your roof.
Patch Up Your Chimney
While running through your roof maintenance checklist, make sure you check out your chimney for cracks or missing mortar. Structural damage of any size can cause bricks to start falling out, which can damage your roof, let alone cause your chimney to collapse. You can either hire a contractor to patch up any mortar cracks, or break out a trowel and do it yourself.
Important Roof Maintenance Tip: Always have a spotter when you’re working on a ladder. If you’re working on the roof itself, invest in a safety harness to avoid serious injuries. Better still, have a professional roofer take care of the repairs. Also, do not forget to check out our roofing FAQ .