Your roof is the primary barrier between your home and outside elements. It takes time and care to keep it in good shape.
Performing regular roofing maintenance helps to catch smaller problems and prevent them from becoming major repairs that cost a fortune. A subscription service makes this maintenance easier to manage.
After a big hailstorm, homeowners should look for damage to the shingles on their roof. These signs include dents that are randomly distributed across the shingle surface, small cracks or dings that are soft to the touch and missing granules. The granules are what give the shingles their color and perform other important functions. Without them, the underlying asphalt layer is exposed and can deteriorate faster, leading to roof leaks.
If you see bruised shingles, it’s time to call a roofer for a roofing inspection. Bruising typically presents as circular areas that showcase a darker hue than the surrounding shingles and are embedded with granules. If a shingle is suffering from blistering, it’s also time to call a roofer. Blistering is similar to bruising but is characterized by the loss of granules from a concentrated area. Both problems compromise the integrity of the shingle and are indicators that it’s time for a new roof.
Another common sign of shingle problems is water marks on the ceiling and walls. These indicate a leak that should be addressed immediately to prevent further damage and to help protect your home’s interior and contents. Water leaks can cause sheathing (the structural layer of plywood that supports the shingles) to rot and can lead to mold, mildew and rot on the inside and outside of your house.
Other signs of shingle problems include curling, lifting and loose shingles. These may be caused by the effects of storms, age and poor ventilation. Loose shingles allow moisture to enter your attic and can damage the sheathing and other structural components of your home. Poor ventilation can also cause stains and discolorations on the ceilings and walls and increase your energy bills due to trapped heat.
If you’re fit enough to climb a ladder, walk around your entire roof to inspect it for damage. This will involve climbing up and down the gutters, checking the chimney, examining the flashing and vent pipes, and looking for any signs of shingle damage on the eaves, valleys and the perimeter of your roof. You should also check for moss, lichen and algae growth in shady areas. Preventative products containing zinc and copper can inhibit the growth of these unwanted organisms when applied annually.
Check for Fungi
Fungi like mold, mildew, moss, and algae are unsightly, but they can also lead to roof rot and lower your home’s value. To be effective, the first step in cleaning your roof of fungus is to identify what kind you have. Then, you can take steps to safely and thoroughly remove it.
The most common type of roof fungus is mildew, which appears as dark streaks or stains on your roof. It grows from tiny spores that float in the air and can grow anywhere they find moisture and shade. This includes the grout lines in your shower and the surfaces of damp walls and deck boards. Mildew is a surface-type of mold that won’t damage the structure of your house, but if it takes hold on your roof, it can cause the wood to rot.
Other types of fungi that can darken your roof’s appearance include algae and lichen. Algae are usually green and have a slimy texture, while lichen is formed from a symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae. Both types of fungi can grow in damp or shaded areas and may appear as dark streaks, stains, or patches on your roof.
Fungal growth has been observed on a wide variety of building materials, including COLORBOND® prepainted steel, in a number of tropical and temperate regions around the world. It can occur wherever the prevailing ‘local environment’ or a specific’micro-environment’ is conducive, which generally means where moisture, temperature, humidity and nutrients are present in the right balance. For roofing, these conditions are often found around the ridge capping and the area of any vents.
Although roof fungus may be similar in appearance to other unsightly roofing issues such as moss and algae, it’s important to note that it doesn’t involve the same level of moisture. Unlike wet rot, which is caused by fungi that thrive on the cellulose in wood and can weaken its structural integrity, dry rot requires much more moisture to begin and spread, as well as warmer temperatures. Therefore, it’s crucial to address any fungus issues promptly.
Trim Tree Branches
Trees are beautiful additions to any yard, but they can become a problem for your roof if they grow too close. Tree branches scrape against shingles on windy days, which can cause them to chip and crack. They can also rub against your gutters or roof, causing damage and allowing water to leak into your home. Additionally, falling leaves and fruits can lead to shingle damage, as well as clogging your gutters. Finally, if your tree’s branches overhang your roof, they can make loud creaking noises and can snag or scratch your siding, windows, or skylights.
Trimming trees is a critical part of regular roofing maintenance, but it’s important to know how to do it correctly. Using the wrong tool or making a mistake during a cut can result in a branch falling and damaging your house, which can be extremely expensive to repair.
For large branches, it’s best to hire an arborist, as they are trained in proper pruning techniques. When trimming your own trees, use pruning shears for small branches and a chainsaw or pole saw for larger ones. When using a power tool, it’s always important to wear safety gear, including a hard hat, gloves, and eye protection.
To start, find the branch collar on the trunk of the tree (the area with a slight swelling and rougher bark). Cut underneath the branch at an angle, going about halfway through it. Then, make a second cut upward at the top of the branch, extending about an inch farther out on the limb than your first. This will break off the remaining stub. Finally, make a third cut an inch or so outside the branch collar to remove it.
Ideally, the first and third cuts will be enough to remove the remaining stub without further harming the tree. Once the stub is removed, leave it alone to allow the natural wound response to take place. Avoid using paint or sealants on cuts, as they can compromise the tree’s ability to heal properly. Likewise, never use ladders to reach high tree branches, as this can be dangerous and lead to injuries or property damage.
Clean Your Gutters
Gutter cleaning is a dirty job, but it’s one of the most important things you can do to preserve your roof. If your gutters are clogged, rainwater won’t be able to drain off the roof and onto the ground. This can cause the shingles to soften and leak into your home. In the long run, it could require that you replace your entire roof, which isn’t cheap.
To keep your gutters clean, you should start by clearing the debris from your roof with a hard bristled brush or blower. You can also use a hose to wash away any dirt, grime or moss. You can also use a specialized stain remover to banish any black streaks or rust. Next, use a ladder to reach your gutters and begin cleaning them. Make sure to wear trustworthy work boots and eye protection. You’ll want to clean each section of the gutters, ensuring that you get all the dirt and twigs out. Finally, clean out the downspouts, making sure that water is flowing properly and not leaking into your home.
Once your gutters are clean, you should check for any sags or leaks and patch them as needed. You can use a gutter sealant to prevent leaks, or you can simply caulk the hole. Lastly, you should test your gutters by running water through them to make sure that they aren’t clogged.
If you do not feel comfortable climbing a ladder to clean your gutters, you can hire a local gutter service to take care of the job for you. This will save you from having to deal with the messy and dangerous task of climbing a ladder, and it will ensure that your gutters are clean and functioning properly.