
How important is rooftop maintenance?
There are many things to owning a home from the mortgage and homeowner’s insurance to maintenance matters like changing or cleaning the air filter, mowing the lawn, and inspecting the home overall, especially the roof. In this part of the country, seasonal roof maintenance in particular is an issue that should not be overlooked. When you need seasonal roof maintenance in Cincinnati, OH a company like ours can be there to help. For more information about the importance of rooftop maintenance, you can reach out to us at 513-563-9988 to speak to a member of our team.
Why does a roof need to be maintained?
The roof of your home is subjected to various weather conditions, including major storms and the resulting storm damage. If the roof isn’t installed properly or poor quality materials are used, it can begin to leak or even worse. Routine seasonal roof maintenance allows you to identify any issues with the roof that may require minor problems. When you identify these problems early on, you can address them before they become bigger and more expensive problems.
What kind of seasonal roof maintenance should be done?
You can do seasonal roof maintenance and inspection on your home yourself, or you can hire a professional. How can you protect your roof in the winter? If you choose to do the roof inspection yourself, here are 6 things you need to be sure to do that will protect your roof year-round:
1. Gutter Cleaning: Depending on the number of trees around your home and neighborhood, you may need to do a gutter cleaning twice a year as a part of your seasonal roof maintenance. The purpose of gutters is to send water away from the foundation of your home. If they are clogged, and you skip a cleaning, that excess water will flow over the gutters, saturate the fascia, and puddle up around the foundation.
2. Keep Trees Trimmed: While trees around your home can be a beautiful addition to your home. They can also be a threat to the roof with overhanging branches breaking off during a storm or high winds. The falling leaves fill up the gutters (reference the gutter cleaning tip in seasonal roof maintenance) and overflow to the roof, trapping moisture underneath, leading to premature decay.
3. Clean Debris: Along with keeping leaves and limbs off the roof, keeping that algae growth off will keep wood rot from starting and spreading. You can do this yourself during your seasonal roof maintenance by using a leaf rake or household broom, or have your roof professionally cleaned once a year. You may be wondering, is raking the roof in the winter safe? If you want to clear snow and ice off the roof yourself, start at the gutters, and go upward about four feet. A push broom would be safer, but you can use a rake with extreme caution. The goal is to keep the gutter and eaves clear of any ice dams starting.
4. Watch for Interior Damage: Inspect the attic from time to time for any indication of roof leaks. Things like water stains on the decking, wet insulation, any signs of mildew or mold, sagging beams, or if you can see light coming through the decking, there may be damage you can’t see on the roof.
5. Keep an Eye Out for Damaged or Missing Shingles: As you walk around the exterior of your home during your seasonal roof maintenance, if you see damaged, loose, or missing shingles, it is time to have your roof professionally inspected.
6. Watch for Water Damaged Fascia and Soffits: As you clean the gutters, check the fascia and soffit boards for possible damage. If you’ve ignored the gutter cleaning as a part of your seasonal roof maintenance, you probably have damaged or rotted fascia and soffit.
What time of year is best for roof repairs?
Most roofing contractors prefer to do any roof repairs or installation in the fall. The weather in general is cooler and dry. This helps the shingles to adhere better and helps extend the lifespan of the roofing framework.
Of course, there is an exception. If you have any emergency like a limb falling on the roof or the wind taking off any shingles, you need a contractor out immediately. Once you have called a contractor and they have provided you with a written estimate, call your insurance company and file a claim. The insurance company will send an adjuster out to inspect the damage along with the entire roof. Having your roofer there during that inspection is recommended so they can work alongside the adjuster. Remember, the roofer is on your side, the insurance adjuster is protecting the insurance company’s money. In many cases, the roofing company will also be able to provide help with roof insurance claims as a part of helping with any storm damage.
Staying On Top Of It
By following a routine seasonal roof maintenance schedule, or having it professionally done regularly, you will not only save yourself from expensive repairs, but you’ll extend your roof’s lifespan too. If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out to us. Call today at 513-563-9988 to speak to one of our roofing professionals.