Show your Roof Some Love: 5 Roof Maintenance Tips
Published on Friday February 16, 2018
Once the weather starts getting warmer, most homeowners start daydreaming about new plants for their gardens, days when they can sit back and relax on their back patio, or getting out some propane and dusting off the grill.
Hardly anyone thinks about checking in on their roof.
All winter, your roof has protected you from the cold and wet —and now it’s time to give your roof a little pampering. By following these spring roof maintenance tips, you’ll show your roof, your great weather protector, some love, while also preventing some major issues down the line.
1. Get a roof inspection
According to the National Roofing Contractor’s Association, homeowners should have their roofs professionally inspected at least twice a year — once in the fall to check on any damage the summer sun and storms may have caused, and once in the spring to see if winter weather took its toll on your roof.
Checking in on the state of your shingles, gutters, flashing, and protrusions is important for maintaining good roof health. Once those start to wear down, costly repairs start to build up. If you notice open gaps or loose roof materials during your spring inspection, make sure to call a licensed contractor so your roof can get ahead of the damage before summer storms wear them down even more.
2. Keep it clean
When spring comes, showers won’t be the only thing falling on your roof and entering your gutters. Seeds, pods, buds, and petals will most likely be making appearances along with wind, rain, and hail. Clearing away anything that obstructs your gutters is vital to proper roof health, as buildup can result in damning, forcing water to work its way back up on your roof.
Read: How to prevent seasonal roof damage
As the days start to get warmer, trim back any overgrown trees or bushes that could be crowding the draining of your house. This will keep water away from your foundation. While unclogging your gutters yourself is a viable option, if you notice mold or algae during your spring roof inspection, make sure you call a professional. They have special equipment that can clean your shingles without damaging them, as well as biodegradable cleaning solutions that can help prevent mold growth.
3. Let your home breathe
Inadequate ventilation can cause mold, ice damming, and a host of other issues with your roof. As the moisture in your home rises to your attic, if it can get out, it’ll start to build up and condense, causing problems throughout your home.
Read: 3 reasons why roof ventilation is important for your home
The Federal Housing Administration recommends at least 1 square-foot of ventilation per 300 square-feet of attic space to properly ventilate your home — a standard most homes don’t actually reach. When you have your roof inspection this year, have the inside of your attic and your vents looked at to guarantee that your house is moving air as it should. Check your exhaust and intake vents to make sure they’re free and clear of all leaves, sticks, and seeds.
4. Make sure you’re covered
As much as following good roof maintenance tips can help stave off trouble, regular checkups can only do so much against a big storm. Making sure your homeowner’s insurance policy covers roof damage can make you feel more at ease about the things you can’t control. For example, Princeton Survey Research Associate International states that 56 percent of people assume flood insurance is covered by a standard policy when, in fact, it isn’t.
Read: What does homeowners insurance cover and not cover when it comes to your roof?
“Being misinformed about your home policy can be an extremely expensive mistake — especially when a few inches of water in a 1,000 square-foot home can easily cost over $10,000 in repairs,” said Laura Adams, senior insurance analyst at insuranceQuotes. Double-checking your policy may not seem like an obvious roof maintenance tip, but it can definitely help you know what to prepare for in the future.
5. Get a rock-solid warranty
Refamiliarize yourself with what is and is not covered (and for how long) when it comes to your roof. It can help you feel confident when you need to call in the pros.
While some “lifetime” roof warranties only last 20 to 30 years, LONG’s warranty is upfront and honest. Our 50-year, non-prorated, transferable warranty is one of the best in the business, guaranteeing you peace of mind season after season.
Is your roof ready for spring?
While following these roof maintenance tips can help you stave off some roofing problems, a bad winter can take a serious toll on your roof and cause irreversible damage. To get the roof replacement process started, contact the roofing experts at Long Roofing online to request a free estimate.
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