Roofing maintenance can be one of the most overlooked aspects of building maintenance. Developing a preventative program is key to extending the lifespan of your roof, and avoiding costly emergency repairs.
This program includes regular inspections (preferably on a biannual basis), and addressing small leaks before they can escalate. This will reduce mold growth, protect the structure from harsh weather conditions, and save thousands in potential structural damage. Visit https://www.corpuschristiroofingco.com/ to learn more.
A gutter is a small but important component of the roofing system, and it’s often overlooked. But a well-maintained gutter system is essential to the health of your roof. Gutters are designed to redirect rainwater away from the home’s foundations and structural components, preventing water damage. Clogged or neglected gutters can also lead to problems with the roof itself, including shingle damage and mold growth in attics.
A regular inspection of your gutters should be done at least once a year, and twice a year is better. This will help you catch any wear and tear or damage early on and ensure that the gutters are functioning properly. Checking the gutters for any clogging is an important part of the inspection, as well as checking for any leaks or other signs of damage to the gutters and downspouts. You should also be sure that the downspouts are not leaking or overflowing, and that the scuppers and conductor heads are clear of debris.
For shingle roofs, look for shingles that are loose, cracked, broken, missing, buckling, curling, blistering, or worn down, as well as checking the wood underneath for moisture, rot, insect infestation and fungus. It’s also a good idea to clean the eaves and gable ends of the roof, as these areas are prone to moisture buildup. Inspect the roof for moss, lichen and other biological material that excretes corrosive acids, which can cause damage to the sheathing of the roof deck.
On older roofs, downspouts and scuppers may need to be cleaned. In addition, cleaning large moss pads from the roof can help to prevent ice dams in the winter, as they trap moisture and can back up under the shingles.
Keeping up with a roof and gutter maintenance schedule will prevent major repairs down the road, so it’s worth the time and effort to keep your home protected. However, it’s usually safer and easier to leave this work to professionals. Local gutter cleaners can clean your roof and gutters with little risk of falling off the ladder, and they’ll know what to look for in terms of potential issues or signs of damage.
Check the Attic
While the exterior of your roof gets most of the attention, your attic is just as important. As part of your roofing maintenance, a professional will check the condition of your attic insulation on each visit. If it is matted down, compressed or damp, this can indicate a roof leak. The roofer will take note of this and determine where the leak is coming from to schedule the proper repairs.
They will also look for any signs of water intrusion in the attic space itself. These include stains on the attic ceiling or sheathing, damp or water marks on vent pipes that protrude through the roof, and any other areas of discoloration that could indicate a current or past leak. In addition, they will examine the rafters and framing of the attic to make sure that they are in good condition.
If your attic is not properly ventilated, it can lead to excessive moisture in the home and can even damage your roof. During your inspection, the roofer will ensure that the attic is well-ventilated and has air vents in both the lower and upper portions of the space to allow for adequate airflow and prevent the buildup of heat or moisture.
Lastly, they will check for the presence of pests such as rodents and snakes and ensure that any attic ladders or stairways are in good condition. If they are not, they can pose a safety hazard for the roofing maintenance team and lead to accidents while on the roof.
As with the gutters, roof issues tend to develop over time and can be hard to spot if you are not looking for them. By implementing an annual roof maintenance program, you can catch small problems before they become major ones and save yourself the cost of an emergency repair. To learn more about roof maintenance, contact a trusted local roofing company to set up a scheduled inspection of your property. They will be happy to answer any questions you may have and create a maintenance schedule tailored to your specific roof needs.
Check the Exterior
Your roof is a critical part of your home, protecting your family and possessions from the elements. It also helps keep your home’s other essential components together, such as the walls and foundation.
As a result, it’s important to check for damage, particularly after weather events like heavy rains or strong winds. If a problem with your roofing is not addressed right away, it can lead to mold growth, structural damage, and water leaks.
A thorough roofing inspection will begin with a general examination of the structure to identify any obvious issues. A roofing expert will check for rot or other forms of decay, as well as for areas that may need repairs such as cracks and gaps. If any problems are identified, the roofing professional can make recommendations on how to repair them.
Next, the roofing experts will inspect the shingles for damage or wear. They will also check for granule loss, which can indicate the shingles are aging and need to be replaced. They will then move on to the flashing, checking for leaks at penetrations, walls, roof perimeter, skylights, equipment curbs and drains. The professionals will pay special attention to the flashing around chimneys and vent pipes, as these tend to be where most leaks occur.
Another area to examine is the ventilation and insulation. If they are not functioning properly, it can increase energy costs and reduce indoor comfort levels. The roofing professionals will check the venting and insulation for any problems, such as cracks, gaps, fungus or mold. They will also look for ice dams and snow buildup.
Finally, the roofing professionals will check for any areas that require a coating. A coating can help to protect the surface of the roof from UV degradation, as well as from other environmental elements. If any areas are found to need a coating, the roofing professionals can recommend the best coatings for your specific roof.
Before the roof maintenance program begins, it is a good idea to develop a checklist that can be used by the roofing professionals. This will ensure that all of the required items are inspected, and that any potential issues are recorded so they can be repaired immediately. This will prevent small problems from deteriorating into major issues, saving the property owner money in the long run.
Check the Wind
While many people think that high winds are what cause roof damage, the truth is that they are only one part of the equation. Wind can lift shingles and cause them to blow away, but other things, like falling tree branches and downed power lines, can also puncture or tear through your roof. This is why it is important to look for other signs of wind damage, as well.
For example, you should look for shingles that are upturned or out of place. If a single shingle becomes loose, this can allow water to penetrate the roof and lead to leaks in your home. This is why it is essential to have any roof damage repaired immediately.
You should also look for any sagging or dips in the roofline, as these areas can be weak points that are susceptible to further damage from strong winds. Additionally, you should check the gutters after a storm to see if there is an unusual amount of debris, especially pieces of shingles.
A professional roofer can help you evaluate the condition of your roof and determine if it needs to be repaired or replaced before the summer storms hit. A thorough inspection can catch any problem areas and prevent extensive and costly damage.
When determining the best roofing company for your facility, it is important to choose a team that has extensive experience with roof maintenance and repair. Our experienced crews are highly trained and qualified to handle any roof repair or replacement project that your facility may have. Our team will work with you to develop a comprehensive maintenance plan that addresses all of your roofing needs and budget.
Our maintenance program is designed to provide you with peace of mind knowing that your facility is protected and secure. We have the ability to run background checks on all roster personnel if you wish, so you can rest assured that your facility is in safe hands. Our schedulers will be happy to discuss our services with you and answer any questions you might have. Call us today to learn more about how we can help you with your roofing maintenance needs.
