Key Takeaways:
- As a homeowner, one of your responsibilities is to maintain your roof throughout the year. This helps it protect you and your loved ones for a long time.
- Roof maintenance should be performed carefully and safely.
- When in doubt, or in case of an emergency, call a professional roofing contractor.
Like any other part of your house, your roof requires care and maintenance to protect you and your loved ones throughout the year and to give you the highest ROI when it comes time to sell.
At this time of year, as coastal New England braces for major summer and autumn storms, it’s more important than ever to check on the health of your roof. The pros at Dynamic Roofing Technology offer the following checklist for your peace of mind.
Roof Maintenance Checklist
First things first: safety. As you go through this checklist, remember to prioritize your well-being. That means making sure you have a sturdy ladder, construction-quality work gloves, safety goggles, and a roof rake.
When in doubt, hire a roofing contractor. They have the tools and training to safely inspect your roof.
Once you’re ready, here’s what to do.
Check Your Gutters
New England summers can bring heavy rainfall, leading to debris accumulation on your roof. To avoid clogged gutters and water pooling, remove leaves and branches before the first storm hits. Clean gutters allow for proper drainage and protect your roof from leaks and damage.
Don’t forget to check downspouts for clogs caused by debris. Clearing these can prevent water from seeping into your roof’s fascia and structure, helping you avoid costly repairs.
Also, inspect your gutters for signs of wear, such as tears or rust. If you notice any issues, it’s best to have a professional take a look.
Visually Inspect the Shingles
Missing and loose shingles can allow moisture to enter your home. High winds, age, poor installation, and fallen debris all contribute to shingle deterioration over time. From the ground, use a pair of binoculars to look for signs such as curling edges, discoloration, and curving when pressed.
If you notice any defective shingles, have them repaired to prevent water leaks and long-term damage. Additionally, a sagging roof may indicate rotting sheathing, which could require a new roof installation.
Trim Nearby Tree Branches
Overhanging branches pose a major threat to your roof’s integrity during summer storms. As powerful winds whip through the trees and heavy rain lashes down, branches may scrape against your roof’s surface, which can result in costly damage over time.
To protect your home from this potential hazard, carefully trim back any branches that are close to your roof. Create a clear space that will safeguard your house from the elements.
Check Your Attic
Proper attic ventilation is part of a healthy roof. Poor or inadequate ventilation can cause excessive heat buildup, leading to shingle deterioration and roof deck damage. Check that your attic vents are clear and functional.
Also check your attic for signs of water, moisture, mold, rot, or mildew. A dry attic suggests your roof is in good condition. If you find water damage, investigate the source, such as damaged shingles or missing flashing around vents, chimneys, or skylights.
Look for a consistent upward trend in your energy bills over the years, as poor attic ventilation can lead to higher energy bills.
Prepare For Intense Storms
New England summers can bring sudden severe storms with heavy rain, strong winds, and occasional hail. Inspect and reinforce vulnerable areas of your roof, such as weak flashing, to prevent water from coming inside. Clear debris from the roof to avoid wind-borne hazards.
Finally, check the seals around skylights and chimneys, and re-caulk as needed to ensure a watertight barrier.
Professional Roofing Contractors
Sometimes, no matter how well you take care of your roof, there’s going to be something you missed. This is why it makes sense to hire a professional roofing contractor to perform an annual inspection of your roof.
When researching roofing companies, look for:
- Qualifications, including licensing and proof of insurance
- Local experience
- Warranties
- Referrals and reviews
- Free quotes or estimates
- Upfront, transparent pricing
Times you should consider hiring a professional roofing contractor include:
- You have leaks in the same spot(s) every time it rains
- You notice large patches of missing or broken shingles
- Your roof noticeably sags in spots
- After storm damage, such as fallen trees
- Yearly inspections
FAQ: Roofing Maintenance
Q: How often should I have my home’s roof professionally inspected?
A: We strongly recommend having your roof professionally inspected at least once a year. We also suggest scheduling a roof inspection immediately after a major weather event, such as a blizzard or powerful thunderstorm, to check for damage.
Q: What does a professional roof inspection include?
A: A professional roof inspector will come to your house and conduct a thorough inspection of all aspects of your roof. This includes a visual assessment of the shingles, attic, and ceilings. The inspector will look for broken or missing shingles, leaks, moss, algae, mildew, blockages, or detachments. They’ll also use special tools to check the roof’s underlayment for signs of deterioration.
Q: What happens if there’s a roofing emergency during or after a major storm?
A: In case of an emergency, such as a major leak or imminent collapse, the first thing to do is get you and your family to safety. Once everyone is safe, call your roofer and tell them what’s happened. A reputable roofer will make an appointment to come to your home as soon as possible. Make sure you document the damage with high-quality photos and videos for insurance purposes.
Keep Your Roof In Tip-Top Shape This Summer
As you prepare your roof for seasonal storms, let the experienced roofing contractors at Dynamic Roofing Technologies perform an inspection. The best way to prevent emergencies during or after a storm is to invest in high-quality roof care now.
Homeowners in coastal Massachusetts or Connecticut can request a free estimate on our roofing services today!
