A Simple Roof Maintenance Guide for Homeowners
A bit of planned maintenance can extend the life of you roof and can also help eliminate the costly expense of repairing interior water damage that may be cause by a leaky roof.
Working on or around a roof can be dangerous. Use good common sense when working around hazardous areas. Always wear and use approved safety equipment. Use extreme caution when working on roofs or slippery surfaces, around power lines, ladders and equipment. It is recommended that you hire a professional to perform any roof services.
Homeowners, When To Do Your Roof Inspection and What To Do
It is best to perform a visual roof inspection bi-annually, each fall and spring. If you perform this inspection yourself, extreme caution should be taken, not only to protect yourself from injury, but to protect your roof from damage caused by improperly walking on the surface. It may not be worth the risk to perform the roof inspection yourself so be sure to hire a professional who has been trained and has the proper license and insurance to perform a visual roof inspection for you. Cert-A-Roof roof inspectors and installers are all certified by NRCIA.
Tennis Shoes Work Best on Roofs
Homeowners, be sure to wear suitable footwear. Tennis shoes with good support will not only provide traction but will also minimize damage to the roofing material. Steel toed tennis shoes are available that will offer protection against items being dropped on your feet.
How to Step Right on the Roof
Knowing where to walk on a roof is as important as the inspection itself. If you walk on the wrong spot, not knowingly you could cause damage to the roof. Most types of roofing products have their own safe areas to walk. Some manufacturers do not recommend walking at all on the roof material because of the potential for damage. It is best to find out directly from the manufacturer of your roof what their walking recommendations may be. If you are not sure, it’s best to not walk on the roof and instead call a licensed roof inspector.
How to Clean Roof Gutters and Downspouts
Every spring and fall, homeowners must clean their gutters and downspouts connected to the roof. First clean your gutters by using a hard brush and towel. Then clean the downspouts by flushing them with a garden hose. Make sure the downspouts (leaders) run to the ground onto splashable areas slanting away from the foundation or directly to another gutter below. Be sure never to run downspouts onto another roof surface.
How to Sweep Clean Your Roof
Remove debris (branches, pine needles, leaves, etc.) from all areas of the roof. Take special care to clean the valleys. Leaving debris on the roof retains moisture and encourages decay. This accumulation could also block the run-off rainwater, which then could result in leaks. When using a stiff broom or brush, be careful not to damage the roofing material. A leaf blower can also help blow away leaves and light debris from the roof.
Homeowners, Make Needed Roof Repairs
Roof Repairs should include replacing all broken or missing shingles, tiles or ridge and hip caps on sloped roofs. Be sure to reseal all pipes and flashings. Repairs should be made without delay since your roof protects your home, your family, and your most precious belongings. If you are not sure how to repair the roof, please contact an NRCIA-certified licensed roofing professional.
For further information, contact your local Cert-A-Roof licensed roofing professional today!
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