Why Roof Maintenance Is Important ?
No matter what type of roof you have and how durable the materials are, roof maintenance is essential to prevent leaks and make the structure last longer. Even if you just replaced or repaired your roof, there are many things you can do to make your roof last longer and keep it in excellent shape. We cover the top roof maintenance tips for homeowners to make your roof last and keep it in good shape.
Since most of us assume that their roof is fine as long as there are no visible damages or leaks, roofs are often one of the most neglected parts of the house. Most homeowners will only have their roof checked when there’s already a leak. However, you should have your roof inspected every year, but more so when:
- A storm or natural disaster occurs, and your roof may have been affected
- When there is an overgrowth of vegetation in gutters[such as wild vines and fallen leaves and twigs from trees
- Your roof is more than ten years old
It is crucial to regularly inspect roof conditions and immediately repair any minor damage because it can lead to more severe problems. For instance, clogged gutters can overflow into your home’s foundation, which can lead to cracks. If neglected, it can result in more extensive damage and a higher cost of having to replace your roof and complete additional associated repairs.
Hiring roofing professionals ensures your roof’s conditions are properly assessed for things like flashing damage (the covering in gaps of chimneys, skylights, roof boots and vents), surface wear and overall degradation. At Horry Handyman & Remodeling we advise on whether it is best to replace your roof or if it can still withstand intensive weather conditions with repairs.
Homeowners know roof repairs can cost from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the gravity of the damage. However, the main concern about DIY roof maintenance and repairs is safety. It is a hazardous undertaking because it involves going up to your roof without the proper equipment and without the proper knowledge to complete the work. Professional roofers undergo robust safety-related training
Pros of DIY Roof Maintenance
- Cost savings compared to hiring a roofing professional
- You can repair immediately without scheduling with contractors
Cons of DIY Roof Maintenance
- You do the repairs alone without help or assistance from a professional.
- You lack the professional tools and equipment to do a quality job.
- You lack the safety gear required when working on your roof.
- It will take up a lot of your time, especially if you have a full-time job or a business to run.
If you’re planning to DIY roof repairs or general roof maintenance, be smart in deciding which tasks you can do yourself and which ones to leave to the professionals. Here are some minor roof maintenance tasks that you may be able to DIY without any problems:
- Gutter cleaning
- Visual inspection of roof damage or indoor leaks
- Spray roof moss remover in areas affected by moss
If you’re willing to go the extra mile, you can also paint rusted areas with corrosion-resistant paint or any all-weather type of roofing paint. Painting the damaged area depends on the severity of the rust. If sealants and roof paint cannot address the problem, it’s time to contact a roofing professional.
Our Top Roof Maintenance Tips
Some roof maintenance is manageable to do yourself as long as you know the problem and how to fix it. Here are some of the most common roofing problems discovered during our inspections:
- Cracked or missing roofing materials
- Rusty metal connecting the house foundations and the roof
- Leaks in the walls or ceilings
- Broken, curled, cracked, or missing roof shingles
- Dirty, dark, and deteriorating shingles
- A sagging roof deck
- Water stains in your walls and ceilings
- Leaks inside the attic
- Peeling of exterior and interior paint
- Clogged gutters
- Improper roof ventilation
- Signs of wet areas and algae growth on the roof
- Being able to break a shingle by bending it with little to no effort
Tip #1: Clear Your Gutters Regularly
Cleaning the rain gutters is roof maintenance that most people can DIY because it is the most straightforward problem to resolve. Clogged gutters can cause the rainwater to pool and gather on the roof, eventually causing it to rot.
The things that can clog a gutter are leaves, branches, sticks, debris from deteriorating shingles, and other environmental matters. Sometimes, birds can build nests on the gutter channels causing further clogging.
Once it’s clean, use a hose to run water through it to flush out the remaining debris. Check the gutter structure if there are any sagging portions and anchor them if needed.
Tip #2 Trim Vegetation and Trees Around Your Roof
Trees are lovely, but when their branches grow over and above the roof, it could be the main reason why gutters are clogged. During storms or other harsh weather conditions, tree branches can break and fall on top of the roof, causing it to collapse.
Trim your tree branches every time they extend towards the roof area. Trimming is something you can DIY if the tree branches are not too high and have the right trimming tools. You can hire professional tree trimmers to prevent this from happening.
Trees are not the only problem. Vines and other vegetation can crawl up on downpipes and gutters. Check for crawling vines and remove them to prevent insects from living around your gutters and causing damage.
Tip #3: Address Broken Gutters, Shingles & Leaks
If you see any cracks, broken shingles, or leaks, this is a job for professional roof repair services. One broken part can lead to further damage if not repaired immediately.
LEAKS: The first thing to do for major leaks is clear the area inside the house where the leaks are and place a bucket underneath. Get in touch with a roof repair contractor to assess the situation and repair the leak immediately.
SHINGLES: The most common problems with shingle roofing are curling, cracking, stains, and blistering. But not every broken shingle needs replacement. If it is just a minor crack or tear, applying a thick roofing sealant will solve the problem. However, you will need the help of a professional roofer if the shingles are missing or have water damage.
A storm or fire damage is often the reason for emergency roof repair. If you need an emergency roof repair, we can do a same-day or next-day roof inspection, depending on the weather conditions and how serviceable your area is.
Tip #4 Seal Roof Flashings
If your house has vents, a chimney, skylights, or exhaust fans, be aware that these structures are prone to leaking. They have a flashing, a thin material made of steel, aluminum and copper surrounding chimneys, skylights, and vents. Its purpose is to cover the crevices and divert water towards the shingles instead of seeping into them.
A roof flashing needs to be sealed when it shows signs of rust, corrosion, holes, missing nails, dried out sealants, or has loosened. When you work with Horry Handyman & Remodeling we can tell if the flashing can be sealed or need to be replaced.
Homeowners
You can DIY specific roof maintenance such as cleaning the gutters or placing sealants. However, you should get your roof inspected by a professional roofing company annually. Spending a few hundred dollars on maintenance every year can save you thousands of dollars worth of repairs and can extend the life of your roof.
We offer free roof inspections and guarantee professional service from start to finish. Schedule a free roof inspection we can inspect your roof, identify any concerns, and offer the best approach to solve your individual roofing issues. If you have questions prior to scheduling an inspection, feel free to contact us 843-742-3235.
