Roof maintenance can help you save money by preventing the need for costly repairs. A well-maintained roof is more durable and extends its lifespan.

A thorough roofing inspection is important for detecting and fixing minor problems before they cause damage to the building. Ideally, facility staff should inspect the roof and attic on a biannual basis.

Inspecting the flashing on a regular basis can help prevent leaks during heavy rain storms. A thorough inspection should include looking for cracks, openings, deterioration, and crazing. It should also check around penetrations, walls, equipment curbs, skylights, and chimneys. A trained eye can spot small problems and make a repair before they become major issues. This can save thousands of dollars down the road. It is especially important to perform an inspection after extreme weather events, such as a hurricane or hailstorm. These types of events can damage shingles, causing them to degrade faster. It is important to address these issues right away.

Having a professional roof inspection company on hand to catch these small defects and repair them right away can save your property from significant damage and potential leaks in the future.

Clean the Gutters

Gutters are troughs mounted along the edges of roofs that collect rainwater runoff and channel it to downspouts, preventing water from seeping over walls and foundations. However, when clogged with leaves, sticks, and other debris, they can cause damage to the roof and home. Regular cleanings help prevent clogs, and ensure that they are working properly to prevent damage from overflowing water.

Typically, homeowners clean their gutters using a ladder to reach higher sections of the roof. This method can be dangerous and time-consuming, and it is important to prioritize safety when inspecting or cleaning roof components. For example, always use a ladder that is sturdy and firmly secured, and be aware of overhead hazards like power lines or tree branches.

A safer and more effective way to clean the gutters is to use a leaf blower to remove any loose debris, then use a gutter cleaning attachment or long hose on your shop vac nozzle to suck out the remaining leaves and dirt. For hard-to-reach areas, you can also use a gutter cleaning wand or tongs with an extendable pole.

It is best to clean the gutters at least twice a year, ideally in spring and fall. During these seasons, trees drop fewer leaves, and the soil is wetter, making it easier to spot any clogs or other issues.

In addition to clogging the gutters, overgrown tree branches can rub against the roof, causing scrapes and damaging the sheathing and shingles. It is therefore important to trim tree branches regularly, especially if they are touching the house.

Some homeowner’s choose to install gutter guards or covers, which reduce the frequency of cleaning and can significantly cut down on the amount of debris that ends up in the gutters. Other strategies to minimize the need for frequent cleaning include trimming overhanging tree branches, installing gutter foam inserts, and considering heating cables during cold climates to prevent ice dams.

Trim Tree Branches

Many roofing problems are caused by tree branches that cling to or hang over the roof. This can cause rainwater to pool on the surface and damage the materials. In addition, branches can fall and break the gutters or other structures. To keep your roof in good condition, it is important to trim tree limbs regularly. This is especially true if the branches are close to your home or other buildings. If you have a large or very high tree, it is often best to hire a professional to do the pruning.

Before you begin cutting, it is a good idea to read up on proper pruning techniques. This will help you avoid common mistakes that can result in torn bark and other problems.

Generally, you should not prune trees more than once or twice per year. Removing too much foliage at one time can weaken the plant, causing it to be more susceptible to damage from storms and other factors. It is also a good idea to make sure that you have the appropriate tools for the job, such as garden shears or handsaws. A pole pruner may be useful for trimming branches that are too tall for shears.

When you are ready to cut, begin by making a shallow cut into the underside of the branch about 6 inches away from where your final cut will be. This will act as a barrier to prevent bark peeling as the branch falls. Next, move up a few inches and make another cut into the underside of the branch, this time about a third of the way through. This will remove the bulk of the branch and leave a stub. Finally, saw through the remaining stub about a half-inch up from the base of the first cut to remove it.

When you are done, be sure that you do not apply any type of paint or wound dressing to the pruning cuts. This can inhibit healing and make the cuts vulnerable to infection. Also, be careful not to over-prune a tree, as this can lead to structural weaknesses and even death. Pruning techniques include thinning (removing small, weak branches), raising (removing lower-level branches) and crown cleaning (removing dead or diseased branches).

Check the Attic

A thorough roof inspection includes a visit to the attic. A professional will examine the roof structure’s interior, looking for mold, rot, fungus, and pest infestation. He or she will also look for water stains and other signs of leaks. In addition, an inspector will check the insulation in the attic. Insulation is important because it helps to regulate the temperature and humidity in the house. In the winter, a well-insulated attic prevents ice dams from forming on the roof.

A good inspector will also inspect the rafters, joists, and decking in the attic. He or she will look for any moisture damage, which is often accompanied by wood rot, mildew, and mold. He or she will also inspect the vents, checking to ensure they are not blocked by critters and that they are properly ventilating the attic.

An interior attic inspection should also include a look around the skylights. Leaks from skylights often occur because of a faulty seal upon installation or because of poor insulation around the skylight. The inspector will also check the condition of the flashing around the skylight.

Moisture in the attic is a serious issue because it can cause ceiling sagging and even collapse. This can be especially dangerous if it occurs near a heating vent or electrical outlet. Moisture can also degrade wallpaper and other wall coverings, causing them to peel or bubble.

In addition to checking the attic, an inspector will also examine the chimney, ventilation, and other large accessories on the roof. A chimney must be properly ventilated to prevent excessive heat from damaging the shingles. Chimneys should be cleaned regularly to remove soot and creosote. Ventilation should be checked, including ridge vents, soffit vents, and gable vents.

During the inspection, the inspector will pay special attention to any areas that have signs of wind damage. He or she will then take the necessary steps to repair the damage. An experienced roofing contractor should be able to determine what kind of damage is salvageable and what kind of damage is beyond repair. He or she will then make appropriate recommendations for the homeowner.