A roof is a vital line of defense between your living environment and outside elements. Even small problems can turn into major ones if left unattended, but regular roof maintenance allows the roofer to spot issues and address them before they become serious.
Sitting debris (twigs, leaves) clogging gutters pushes water underneath shingles, shortening their lifespan and damaging your home. A roofer will remove this debris. Visit https://www.corpuschristiroofingco.com/ for more details.
The shingles on your roof act as a shield against intense sunlight, severe storms and moisture that can cause damage to the structure of your home. If your shingle roof shows signs of deterioration, it’s important to have these issues addressed by a professional roofing contractor to prevent costly repairs and water leaks down the line.
A visual inspection of your shingles is an excellent way to determine their condition. Start by standing outside of your house and surveying the surface from ground level, paying special attention to areas that appear discolored or have bare spots. It’s also a good idea to walk around the roof when it is dry to look for any debris that may have been left behind by recent heavy rain or wind.
In addition to assessing shingle damage, pay close attention to the flashing near chimneys, vents and skylights. If the flashing is loose, damaged or missing, it can allow water to seep through the shingles and into your home. Check for dark spots or streaks on your shingles, as these can be indicative of algae or moss growth. While these substances won’t cause immediate shingle damage, they can trap moisture and lead to problems over time.
Other signs of shingle damage include a sudden increase in your energy bills, which can indicate that a leaky roof is compromising the insulation of your home. Water stains on your ceiling or walls are another clear indication that a problem with the shingles is requiring urgent attention.
Inspect your shingle roof at least once per year, or twice if you live in an area with high rainfall. After each inspection, make notes and photos of any deteriorating areas, so you can reference these when discussing the findings with a roofing contractor. It’s also a good idea for homeowners to familiarize themselves with the life expectancy of shingle roofs so they can be prepared when it is time to replace their current roof. In general, shingle roofs have lifespans of 20 to 30 years.
Clean Your Gutters
Gutters are a critical part of any roofing system, guiding water away from the roof and helping to prevent leaks. However, as with any component of your home, gutters can become clogged and damaged, so it’s important to clean them regularly to ensure proper function.
Most experts recommend cleaning your gutters twice a year — once in the spring and once in fall. This can be a dirty job, so it’s a good idea to wear work gloves and safety glasses when performing it. Additionally, it’s important to use a ladder that is stable and tall enough for you to safely reach your gutters without overreaching. Also, be sure to have someone stand below you to watch your tools and help if needed.
When cleaning your gutters, start by removing loose leaves and debris. Then, use a gutter scoop or garden trowel to scrape off any caked-on dirt or debris. Once you’ve removed all the loose and built-up material, use a power washer to rinse down the gutters. Be cautious with the pressure and angle of the sprayer to avoid damaging your shingles. After cleaning the gutters, inspect them for any damage or sagging, then move on to the downspouts.
Downspouts are a critical part of any roof, as they direct water away from your house. Unfortunately, like the gutters themselves, they can become clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris. When this happens, the gutters may overflow and cause water to seep into your attic or behind walls. This moisture can lead to rot, mold, and other problems.
Additionally, clogged gutters make it easier for ice dams to form, as they block melting snow and ice from draining properly. The resulting water seepage can break down the structure of the gutters, and may even penetrate the roof and cause leaks. To prevent these issues, you should install gutter guards and downspout covers to keep out most of the debris. You should also trim back overhanging trees to prevent branches from rubbing against your roof or causing damage during storms. Finally, make sure all vents and chimneys are clear of obstructions to allow for proper ventilation.
Inspect Your Attic
Keeping your attic in good condition is essential to ensuring that your home has proper ventilation and air insulation, which helps to lower energy costs and prevents moisture from damaging the structure of your house. Routine attic inspections can also help to detect potential problems before they escalate, which can save you a lot of money in the long run and prolong the lifespan of your roof and home’s structure.
During an attic inspection, a professional will evaluate the type and condition of your roofing materials, checking for damage and wear. They’ll also check the roof’s flashing, which seals vulnerable areas like chimneys, vents, and skylights. An inspector will also look for signs of leaks, such as water stains and damp insulation.
A professional will also look for signs of pest infestations, such as droppings, nests, and chewed insulation or wiring. These can lead to serious structural damage, not to mention poor indoor air quality.
Your attic is the best place to inspect for any damage caused by extreme weather, such as strong winds, heavy rains, or snowstorms. A professional will be able to spot any problems and take the necessary steps to protect your home from further damage.
The attic can be a dangerous area to explore without the right safety gear, so it’s important that you take your time and carefully follow these safety tips when performing an inspection:
A roofer will need a powerful flashlight, a dust mask, an AFCI/GFCI tester, gloves, safety goggles, and a moisture meter or infrared camera. They will also need to remove any items stored in the attic that could obstruct the inspection. Before heading up to the attic, make sure that your access path is clear and that there’s plenty of lighting. This will ensure that the entire attic and roof can be inspected without any obstacles getting in the way.
Inspect Your Chimney
The chimney is one of the most important parts of your home. It keeps your fireplace safe and efficient, and it helps protect the roof from rain and other elements. However, it isn’t immune to damage. Checking your chimney for damage on a regular basis is essential, and it’s even better to get the help of a professional to ensure that you don’t miss any potential issues.
If you see cracks or crumbling on the outside of your chimney, it’s time to call a professional for a Level 2 chimney inspection. This is required before selling your home and involves a technician using closed circuit cameras to fully inspect your chimney’s interior and flue liner. Your chimney sweep will also look at other areas that aren’t easily accessible, like your attic or crawl space.
Chimney cracking and crumbling is often caused by a chimney fire. Smoke and heat cause the masonry to expand and contract, and the mortar joints can crack. If left untreated, these cracks can become worse over time and lead to structural damage. Your chimney sweep will also check the firebox, damper and crown for signs of damage.
Another sign of chimney damage is stains on your chimney’s exterior. White staining usually indicates that salts from water vapor have leached into the brick and need to be removed. Black stains indicate soot accumulation and should also be removed.
Other damage to your chimney can include an unsecured or unprotected cap or damper, which can let in water and other debris. The chimney flashing is also prone to wear and tear, and leaks can occur when it’s not replaced as needed.
Finally, a clogged chimney can prevent proper ventilation and pose health risks. The EPA says that smoke particles in your home’s air can irritate your eyes and respiratory system, and if you have heart disease or asthma, they may increase your risk of illness. If you notice any obstructed chimneys or obstructions blocking ventilation, it’s best to get them cleaned right away. A chimney that’s not properly ventilated can also be a fire hazard and make your home less energy-efficient.
