Our roof is one of the hardest working parts of our house. It takes a beating every day. If it fails us, life quickly becomes miserable — and expensive.
Investing in proper roof maintenance is the best way to detect problems early, maximize the lifespan of your shingles, and keep your home looking its best.
Let’s talk about the benefits of roof maintenance, the various steps involved, and the serious risks of a poorly maintained roof.
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Why Is Roof Maintenance Important?
Regular roof maintenance is a great way to provide early detection of issues — saving you money in the long run — as well as keeping your roof looking better for longer. Here are some specific benefits to keeping a well-maintained roof:
Early detection of issues like missing shingles or small leaks. Find them before they become larger issues that could further impact the structural integrity of your home.
Prevent pest infestations by eliminating potential entry points in gaps or cracks in roofing materials.
Save on repair costs associated with resolving serious leaks or pest problems with a proactive approach.
Extend the lifespan of your roof by removing debris and ensuring proper water drainage. Waterlogged moss and other debris can cause your shingles to deteriorate prematurely.
Maintain the curb appeal of your home. Regular cleaning of your roof and gutters can be a chore, but a clean roof adds a lot to the visual appeal of your home.
What Does Roof Maintenance Include?
Roof maintenance generally includes inspection and cleaning of roof surfaces and gutters, removing any moss buildup, and repairing minor issues that may have cropped up since the last round of maintenance.
New Generation Roofing gives professional attention to each of these areas as part of our regular roof maintenance service. Contact us today for a free estimate.
Roof Cleaning
Of course, a clean roof looks great — but it’s not just about looks. Keeping your roof clean also has practical benefits.
One of the main roles of your roof is to quickly shed water to the gutters and away from the structure. If there is debris on top of the shingles, this can impede water flow. This debris can also get pushed down to the gutters, affecting their operation.
If mold or mildew is left on your roof it can eventually make its way beneath the surface and into your home. This makes removal more difficult and poses a potential health risk.
Gutter Cleaning
Your gutters have the important role of collecting water from the roof and directing it down and away from your home. If the gutters or downspouts become clogged, water can overflow directly beside your foundation and weaken it.
The cost of repairing water damage to your foundation far surpasses the cost of regular gutter cleaning.
Clogged gutters can also cause water to migrate under the edge of your shingles and into the structure of your roof, causing extensive damage.
Moss Removal
It’s easy for moss to accumulate on your roof, especially on shaded parts where the sun has less opportunity to keep things dry. Moss retains a lot of moisture, which can seep into the roof.
Moss causes shingles to degrade from the increased moisture, and moss growth can actually cause shingles to lift up from the roof surface.
Roof Maintenance Process: 6 Steps to Ensure the Safety and Longevity of Your Roof
A comprehensive roof maintenance process covers several important steps that give you maximum protection against costly repairs. Diligently completing all these steps on a regular basis — ideally twice a year — will help keep things clean, clear, and working as they should.
#1: Search for Potential Leaks
Looking for potential leaks is one of the most important parts of roof maintenance. It’s better to fix a potential issue than to wait for it to result in a leaky roof.
Keep an eye out, especially in these common areas where seals can weaken:
Around the chimney
Around pipes or vents through the roof surface
The seam around any skylights you may have
The experts at New Generation Roofing know where to inspect and what warning signs of potential failure look like. Get expert eyes on your roof — get a free estimate on a regular maintenance service.
#2: Clean the Roof of Moss and Debris
Twigs, leaves, moss — it’s all gotta go. Cleaning the roof keeps it looking fresh and keeps the water quickly shedding off of it. Wet organic material on your roof keeps your shingles wet, accelerating their deterioration.
Having clean shingles also helps you have a clear visual of the condition of your shingles. If your shingles are covered in debris they won’t last as long, and it will be harder to know exactly how much they have deteriorated.
#3: Clean Gutters
Gutters and downspouts work together to take water off the roof, down to the ground, and away from the structure. If any of these steps fail it can cause water to seep inside the roof structure or collect near the base of the house.
Keeping the gutters clean allows them to direct water down and away as quickly as possible without getting overwhelmed. Rainfall pouring over the side of your gutters is a recipe for major issues with your foundation further down the road.
#4: Remove Nearby Tree Branches
Tree branches rubbing against your home can cause damage, and tree branches hanging over your roof can cause damage if they ever fall.
Having tree branches over your roof can also result in increased leaves and other organic matter falling onto the shingles. This buildup can lead to increased mold growth and accelerated shingle deterioration.
#5: Make Minor Adjustments
Regular inspection gives a great opportunity to make minor adjustments or repairs, preventing serious issues from developing.
There are many quick fixes that a skilled professional can take care of as part of your roof maintenance services:
Re-caulking seams and joints
Replacing missing or corroded nails or screws
Securing or replacing loose or damaged shingles
Re-sealing flashing around the chimney, vents, or skylights
#6: Apply Cleaning Solution
There are cleaning solutions formulated to prevent the growth of moss and algae. This is another way to make your roof maintenance regimen more comprehensive and help get the maximum lifespan out of your shingles.
Algaecide and fungicide products require period reapplication. This needs to be done every 1 to 3 years, depending on your climate and how much sunlight and moisture your roof is exposed to.
New Generation Roofing: Roof Maintenance and More by the Professionals
At New Generation Roofing, we believe prevention is the best medicine when it comes to your roof. We know roofs inside and out, and we know the warning signs that lead to bigger problems.
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements and you need it in tip-top shape. Call New Generation Roofing to get started with the peace of mind that comes with a regular maintenance plan.
