Roofing maintenance is essential to preventing leaks and other roof problems. It starts with a thorough inspection, including interior signs of a problem like water stains or black marks on the ceiling.
You also need to check for damaged flashing around vent pipes, and neoprene pipe boots that crack as they age. These can let water into the home if they aren’t repaired.
Before heading up on the roof, it’s important to check indoors for signs of moisture damage. This includes mold, mildew, water stains and peeling paint on ceilings or walls. It’s also a good idea to inspect the attic or upper floors of the building for signs of water infiltration, which can lead to wood damage and rot. Leaks from a roof often travel sideways through the house, and may not be immediately evident in the living areas.
It’s also a good time to check for moss or lichen growing on the roof. These growths create a layer that holds moisture against the shingles, resulting in deterioration and leaks. In addition, check the gutters and downspouts to make sure they’re attached properly and clear of debris that could clog them and cause moisture problems. Survey the areas where different roof planes come together, or “valleys,” as they’re called; these are a common source of leaks if they’re not properly sealed with caulking.
Also, take a look at the plumbing vent boots; these are plastic, metal and sometimes a two-piece metal unit that wraps around a pipe. Over time, the rubber seal on these can break down or crack, allowing water to work its way into the home along the pipe. It’s also a good idea not to ignore the nails at the base of the vent; pull or replace them with rubber-washered screws.
Ideally, you’ll be able to find all of these issues through an attic or ceiling inspection. If you can’t do that, you should hire a roofing contractor to walk across the roof and show you in person what needs to be done or present you with pictures of any problem spots they identify.
Clean the Roof
Your roof is your first line of defense against the elements. If it is not properly cared for, minor problems can turn into major ones and require expensive repairs.
Keeping your roof clean helps to keep dirt, grime, mold, mildew, algae, and moss from forming. It also makes it easier to see potential problems and address them before they cause damage to the roof or leaks in your home.
A cleaning schedule should be established, ideally on a biannual basis in the spring and fall. During these cleanings, debris should be removed and drains should be checked for blockages. This will help to prolong the life of your shingles and ensure that the interior of your home stays safe from water damage.
Before washing or rinsing your roof, remove loose debris such as leaves, branches, and twigs. These can retain water and promote the growth of algae, moss, or mold, and prevent your gutters from draining properly.
Once the loose debris is removed, wash your roof with a cleaning solution or a bleach mixture that is suitable for your roofing material. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Once the cleaning solution is poured or sprayed, allow it to sit for 20 minutes before scrubbing. Be sure to use a soft-bristled brush. Scrub the entire surface of your roof, paying special attention to areas that are discolored. Rinse the roof with standard clean water to remove any lingering solution.
Make sure that you are working on a clear day. Wind, rain, and sun can affect the process. If you have a large number of tar stains, it may take multiple applications and rinses to get them all off. It is a good idea to wear rubber gloves when scrubbing your roof, as the chemicals can be harsh on your skin. After rinsing the roof, be sure to check for stray nails. A magnetic sweeper can be very helpful in finding stray nails that might have been dropped during the cleaning or tearing of your roof. It is a great idea to have this device on hand before starting any roofing job, as it can save you time and money in the long run.
Trim Trees
Trees provide many benefits to homeowners, including buffering noise pollution, slowing water runoff, providing shade and windbreaks, increasing property value, and creating a relaxing environment. However, it’s important to realize that they can also cause damage to roofs and structures if not properly maintained. The good news is that a few simple steps can prevent damage and keep your home safe from costly repairs in the future.
Overhanging Branches
The branches of trees can scratch, abrade, or poke through the outer surface of shingles, gradually stripping them down to their base mat layer. This can lead to shingle decay and expose the roofing materials to moisture, which creates ideal conditions for mold growth and rotting. This can require expensive roof repair or even replacement.
Regularly trimming your trees can help prevent this problem by keeping limbs at a safe distance from your home. It’s not recommended that you trim these limbs yourself, though, as it’s extremely dangerous work. It’s best to let a trained arborist or tree specialist do this for you to ensure that your roof remains unharmed.
Branches that scrape against the shingles during stormy weather should be trimmed to avoid damaging the shingle’s outer protective layer. This can lead to abrasions and leaks.
Other types of debris from the trees can also clog gutters and sag or fall onto the roof, leading to deterioration and leaks. These problems can be more serious if the debris comes from an oak, hickory, or other hardwood tree that drops large nuts and heavy fruit.
An improperly trimmed tree can also become a fire hazard, particularly if it’s near power lines. A dead branch that comes into contact with these lines can spark a fire or cause a severe electrical shock.
Aside from these issues, trees growing too close to your home can block sunlight and cause the siding and roof to fade or discolor. They can also rub against windows and cause dings, scratches, or cracks. Moreover, they can block air flow and increase the amount of moisture in the attic. This can lead to mold, rot, and a slew of other problems.
Inspect the Flashing
Regardless of the type of roofing system used, flashing is a critical part of the structure that protects against water penetration. It should be inspected regularly to ensure that it is functioning properly, especially around areas where the roof protrudes through a wall or other surface. During an inspection, look for visible signs of wear, such as cracks, rust, or missing sections. These issues can allow water to seep into the home.
Moisture intrusion caused by faulty flashing can lead to a host of problems in the home, including mold, mildew, and structural damage. Water leaks can also stain walls and ceilings, and cause rot in wooden beams and rafters. In addition, chronic leaks can ruin insulation, which will result in higher energy bills.
The flashing is the material installed around chimneys, vents, and skylights to prevent water from entering these areas of the roof. It is also located where the roof meets other roof surfaces, such as at valleys and joints. Inspect these areas during a roof maintenance visit to ensure that the flashing is still protecting the area adequately. Look for cracked or missing pieces of flashing, as well as rusted or damaged sealant.
If any of these issues are detected, prompt repair is crucial. If left untreated, these problems can escalate and cause expensive structural damage to the roof and home.
A professional roofing company can inspect the flashing and recommend repairs as needed. Whether the issue is cracks, rust, or loose sections, a qualified roofing contractor can replace the damaged flashing with high-quality materials that are appropriate for the roof and weather conditions. The new flashing should be carefully placed and securely sealed with an appropriate caulking or roofing sealant to maintain the integrity of the roof.
The condition of the flashing is important to the function and longevity of the roofing system, as it provides a protective barrier against water penetration. Inspecting the flashing regularly and addressing any issues promptly can help homeowners avoid costly roof repairs and maintain a comfortable, safe living environment.