One of the most important parts of a roof maintenance program is removing sitting debris. Sitting debris prevents water from flowing properly off the roof and can shorten the life of shingles.
A roof maintenance checklist should also include examining the shingles for curling, buckling, or missing shingles. Check for granule loss, which is a sign of aging. And, finally, examine the field and auxiliary drains for blockages or ponding water which can cause structural damage. Contact Boston Roofing CO for professional help.
Gutters play an important role in safeguarding your roof and the structural integrity of your home. They help direct rainwater and other precipitation away from the roof and foundation, but can cause significant problems if they become clogged or otherwise damaged. Regular maintenance of your gutter system is crucial to keep it functioning properly.
The best way to check whether your gutters are in good condition is by looking for signs of a clog. Standing water or a buildup of water stains are clear indicators that the gutters are full of debris and need to be cleaned. If left untreated, clogged gutters can overflow and cause water damage to the roof and walls of your home, and even seep into the foundation, leading to cracks and other structural issues.
In addition, the stagnant water and debris that accumulates in clogged gutters can also become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other pests, which can spread diseases such as West Nile virus, Zika, and malaria. In colder climates, clogged gutters can also exacerbate the problem of ice dams, which form when heat from the house escapes through the attic and warms the roof, melting snow and then refreezing at the edge of the roof.
Another sign of a clogged gutter is the presence of moss and mold. These spores can travel from the gutters up onto the roof and under the shingles, eventually infiltrating your home. In addition to being unsightly, these spores can also trigger respiratory problems, including asthma, wheeze, cough, and bronchitis.
If you notice any of these problems with your gutters, it is important to contact a professional roofer as soon as possible. A professional will clean your gutters and remove any debris that has accumulated, and can also inspect and repair any cracks or damage to the gutter system. They can also advise you on how often your gutters should be cleaned, as well as what type of maintenance is required to keep them in good working order. If you need a professional to clean and maintain your gutters, contact Roof-Pro today. We offer a comprehensive maintenance program, and all of our crew members are drug-tested and background checked.
Inspect Your Shingles
The shingles are what protect your home from the elements, so it’s important to inspect them regularly. When a roof is damaged, moisture can seep into the wood structure of your house and cause major problems down the road.
If you notice a shingle that has lost its original coloring and is now showing the sun-bleached color of the surrounding shingles, this means it’s time to replace it. Also pay attention to any areas that are sagging or curled, as these can be a sign of structural damage.
When examining your shingles, start from the ground and walk around each slope of your roof. If you see any shingle pieces in the yard, this is a sign that they have blown off during a storm and need to be replaced. Be sure to check the valleys of your roof, as they are particularly susceptible to leaks.
Another thing to look for are shingles that have curled up at the edges or appear to be buckling. This can be caused by algae or moss growth, which can break down the shingles and lead to their eventual demise. Also watch for rotting shingle tabs and any other signs of deterioration or water damage.
A shingle inspection should always be done on a warm and dry afternoon. The shingles will be more pliable and less likely to crack or crumble when they’re warm, rather than cold and wet. Also, be careful not to damage the gutters or any wood components of your roof while you’re performing a visual inspection.
If you’re comfortable climbing a ladder, examine the flashing and caulking that seals the edges of your roof. If you notice any cracks or loose caulking, contact a professional to make the necessary repairs. It’s also important to note if any of the nails are exposed, as these should be sealed in order to prevent water from penetrating into your home. It’s also a good idea to check the area around skylights, as debris tends to accumulate there over time. Finally, if you spot any leaking or cracked shingles that need to be replaced, get in touch with a roofing contractor as soon as possible.
Inspect Your Attic
The attic is a dark, hidden area of your home and as such, it’s easy to overlook problems that can be hiding up there. However, an attic inspection can help you to identify and address a variety of issues, including insulation problems, air leakage, rot and mold.
A professional attic inspector will thoroughly examine your attic space and assess the condition of your roof framing, sheathing, rafters, and joists. They will also check the ventilation system, insulating materials and energy efficiency. They will look for signs of moisture damage, including rot and mold, as well as pest infestations. Moisture problems, if left untreated, can lead to a range of serious problems, including structural damage and poor indoor air quality.
Rodents and raccoons love to nest in attics, chewing on electrical wiring and creating a biohazard with their droppings. They can also cause water damage if they chew through the attic floor or soffit. An attic inspection can help you to identify these problems early on and take steps to prevent them.
A home inspector will look for any signs of significant structural damage in your attic, such as bowed and warped beams or joists. This type of damage can be very costly to repair and could derail the sale of your home. An inspector will be able to spot these issues in your attic and provide a report that you can pass on to the potential buyers of your property.
An inspector can also spot a wide range of other problems in your attic, such as leaking ductwork and obstructed exhaust ports. These problems can be very expensive to fix and are often the result of improper maintenance or installation.
Home maintenance is an important part of keeping your home in good condition, but it’s not always possible to keep up with everything that needs to be done. That’s why it’s important to hire an attic inspection service. This will ensure that your home is in good condition for the next owner and can reduce the chances of expensive repairs down the road.
Clean Your Roof
Debris that accumulates on your roof is a problem for more than just your curb appeal. Left unattended, it can trap moisture under shingles, promote algae and moss growth, cause leaks, and reduce the life of your shingles. It also poses a health hazard, as the debris can harbor mold and bacteria. To help protect your roof and home, clean your gutters regularly to remove any build-up, and consider having a professional cleaning company perform regular roof maintenance.
The best way to keep your roof in good condition is to regularly inspect it, ideally twice a year. During Spring and Fall, when the weather is mild and you can easily access your roof, look for any signs of damage like missing or loose shingles. If you find any shingles that are cracked or damaged, use roof cement to repair them, and replace the ones that are missing.
During roof maintenance, you’ll also want to check the flashing. The flashing is the metal that channels water off your roof, and it can be found around chimneys, skylights, vents, and other fixtures. The flashing should be in good condition, and if you notice any cracks or rust, it’s important to fix them before they worsen.
Before applying a roof cleaner, it’s a good idea to pre-rinse the entire surface using a garden hose or a sprayer. This will remove any loose dirt or debris and help prevent the cleaning solution from drying too quickly. It’s also a good idea to pre-soak any plants or landscaping that might be affected by runoff from the cleaning chemicals.
Finally, it’s a good idea to trim any tree branches that hang over your roof. Not only does this help protect your gutters, but it also allows more sunlight to reach the roof and helps prevent moss and algae growth. It’s also important to double-check your gutters and downspouts to ensure they are free of blockages and draining properly.