Your Roof Maintenance Checklist

Your roof is an essential component of your home. It is the barrier between your home and the harsh elements that come with the outdoors. Keeping your roof well-maintained and in shape is essential in extending its longevity. While all roofs will eventually need to be replaced, there are maintenance tactics that you can apply to keep your roof in top shape for longer periods and prevent having to replace it as often. Today, we’re going to provide you with a checklist for maintaining your roof.

1. Regularly Check Your Shingles

Checking your roof at regular intervals is the key to maintaining your roof because you are often likely to find problems earlier rather than later, or prevent them. It is especially important to check your roof after a heavy wind or rain storm. When inspecting, look out for damaged or missing shingles. Note if any are curling, cracked, or peeling. Anything that is amiss should be looked further into and fixed right away. Luckily, maintaining and inspecting your roof often allows you to catch problems sooner and save you from spending thousands.

2. Get yearly roof inspections from a Professional

You can see obvious signs of roof damage by inspecting it yourself, but there are some things you may still miss or be unaware of that aren’t normal. That’s why hiring a professional to look at your roof is important. They can spot things that may not be a problem now, but in the future can become one. 

3. Keep an eye out and look for any leaks in your ceilings or water damage

If you notice any water stains on your ceiling, this likely indicates that you leak somewhere on your roof. You will want to address this issue right away. 

4. Wash Your Roof

Moss, algae, and fungi tend to grow on roofs and this can be a problem because they can cause lots of damage. That’s why washing your roof is important, to keep moss, algae, and fungi growth at bay and under control. 

5. Clean Your Gutters

Your gutters are another part of your roof that should stay well-kept. Leaves and other debris can clog your gutters, which can lead to leaking and damage to your roof. Rotting leaves are also very pleasant for pests, which can cause their damage, so it’s best to maintain your gutters to prevent these problems. 

6. Trim Tree Branches that May Overhang

Tree branches that are hanging over your roof can be a cause for concern and danger. This is because tree branches can fall and this can have serious consequences for your roof and home in its entirety. By trimming your branches, you can alleviate the dangers and keep your roof and home safe from damage. 

7. Inspect Your Chimney

Creosote (coal tar) and debris from using your chimney can build up over time and if left, can become a serious fire hazard. That’s why you should inspect your chimney and clean it to clear out any of that debris. It is recommended to have your chimney cleaned and inspected at least once a year, usually in the spring. 

Many things can go wrong with your roof. That’s why maintaining it is the perfect solution to preventing issues. You can extend the life of your roof with these 7 simple solutions and take care of problems as they arise. If you need a roof inspection or have more questions on how you can maintain your roof, contact us at Valley Roofing & Exteriors!