Millions of people a year experience trouble with their roofs. Whether it be from age or a recent storm that did some damage, roof replacements are inevitable. Like most things in life, maintenance is needed and a roof is no different. Keeping your roof in prime condition helps with lifespan and overall functionality. When it comes to keeping up with your roof, a lot of homeowners don’t know what to look for or even what to do. Here, BRAXCO Roofing & Contracting put together a simple roof maintenance checklist that will help you identify and prevent any kind of damage to your roof.
INSPECT YOUR SHINGLES
The first step towards maintaining your roof is checking on the condition of your shingles. This is especially important after a heavy storm or a night of high winds. When checking on your shingles it’s important to be super careful. If you decide to get on your roof, make sure you stay in the valleys to avoid slipping and falling. To avoid getting on the roof altogether, invest in a good pair of binoculars to see any potential damage. If you notice any of the signs listed below be sure to contact a professional roofing company like BRAXCO to make safe and necessary repairs. Here’s what to look for:
- Missing shingles
- Curling shingles
- Cracked shingles
- Peeling flashing
- Missing granules
- Damaged gutters/downspouts
GET A PROFESSIONAL ROOF INSPECTION
Even though this may sound like a process, an inspector will be able to spot potential problems you might’ve missed. A licensed inspector will also provide you with invaluable tips for roof maintenance. Most roofing professionals recommend inspections every two years, but less time between inspections will increase your chances of finding potential damages before they become costly repairs. Roof inspections can vary in price from $200 to $600+ depending on the size of the roof. Use The American Society of Home Inspectors or the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors to find a reputable inspector near you.
LOOK FOR LEAKS IN YOUR ATTIC
Another roof maintenance tip is finding water damage inside your house. It’s a good idea to inspect your ceilings and attic regularly for water damage to prevent any serious issues. If you find any signs of leaks, it is important to contact your local roofing company to seal up the leak and patch your roof. Common signs of a leak are:
- Musty odors.
- Water stains.
- Water spots on your exterior walls.
- Bulging patches on your interior walls.
CLEAN YOUR ROOF & GUTTERS
When it comes to maintaining a shingle roof, a good idea is to wash it. Over time, your roof will collect dirt and grim from peak to eave. This turns into algae growing on your house and can cause further damage. If you leave algae long enough it can slowly rot your shingles and roof. To clean your roof, spray it with a 50% mix of water and bleach. PRO TIP: Install copper strips just beneath your roof’s peak. When it rains, the copper molecules will stream down your roof, killing any algae fixing for a comeback.
Another maintenance tip is cleaning out your gutters. Clogged gutters make it easy for water to seep under the structure of your roof, creating more than just a few water stains. Most roof contractors recommend cleaning out your gutters twice a year, once in late spring and again in early fall, as part of regular home maintenance.
TRIM TREES & BRANCHES
Tree branches can be a problem for many reasons. One main reason is the risk of them falling on your roof and causing damage during severe weather. Take care of your roof by maintaining your landscaping and cutting off 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 YOUR CHIMNEY
Another key maintenance tip to consider is making sure you check your chimney for cracks or missing mortar. Structural damage of any size can cause bricks to start falling out. This in turn can damage your roof, let alone cause your chimney to collapse. It’s important to hire a contractor to patch up any mortar cracks and repair your chimney from future damages.
LOOKING FOR A ROOFING COMPANY?
BRAXCO Roofing and Contracting is a family-owned roofing company that prides itself in providing residential and commercial customers with the highest quality workmanship and the best products in the roofing industry. We proudly service the greater Rome area, including Alpharetta, Milton, Calhoun, Norcross, and more. Give us a call today to schedule your FREE roofing estimate!
