Regular roofing maintenance can identify small concerns before they become extensive storm damage. It also helps homeowners understand what steps they can take to mitigate future damage from severe weather.
Inspecting your roof can help you find leaks, faulty caulking around chimneys and vent pipes, shingle wear and tear, damage from falling branches, and more. A professional roofing contractor can perform a detailed inspection. Visit https://www.corpuschristiroofingco.com/ to learn more.
Debris caught on your roof can cause a lot of problems. It can lift shingles, clog gutters, and harbor moisture that causes rot. It can also be a fire hazard and may even allow mold to grow, which can be toxic for homeowners and workers at the facility.
During your inspection, make sure that no debris has collected on your roof since the last time you checked. Check the gutters and eaves for debris, as well.
You can do a good amount of this yourself without needing to climb on the roof. A ladder with a long-handled rake and bucket should do the trick, or you could use a roof cleaning chemical that kills moss and lifts debris off the roof.
After a heavy storm, you should also look for branches hanging over the roof and in the gutters. If these are not trimmed regularly, they will likely fall during a storm. Trees near a home are often the source of problems for a roof because their branches can break and fall during strong winds, or if they hang over the house and clog the gutters, they can pull down shingles and create water ingress problems.
Another important area to check for debris is around the chimney and skylights. These areas are prone to leaks from flashing that has not been properly installed. This is an easy fix, but it needs to be done before the next leak appears.
Lastly, it is essential to check for interior signs of storm damage. Any stains on the ceiling, particularly in the attic or the room over the garage or living spaces, are an indication that the roof is damaged and should be repaired.
If you notice any damage, it is recommended that you call a roofing professional immediately to address the problem before it gets worse. A roofing maintenance program that includes regular checks by a trained team will help you avoid major damage and save money on repair costs. You can even save on insurance premiums by ensuring that your roof is in good shape before disaster strikes.
Trim Trees
Trees add beauty and value to your home, but they can also pose a threat if they are not properly maintained. Overgrown tree branches can cause damage to your roof, requiring costly repair work and possibly a roof replacement. Unruly trees can also push water back into the gutters, leading to moisture damage and clogs inside your house. The best way to prevent this from happening is to have a Certified Arborist trim your trees on a regular basis.
Overhanging tree limbs should be cut to a safe distance from the roof line. This will reduce the amount of debris that lands on your roof. It will also minimize the risk of the limbs falling and causing damage during a storm.
If a tree limb falls during a storm, it can puncture windows and tear off siding, as well as causing cosmetic damage to your roof. If it scrapes the shingles, it can cause shingle damage that requires expensive repair work. The limb could also scratch the gutters, or even pull them off the gutter system entirely.
To trim trees on your roof, you will need a ladder that is tall enough to reach the branches. Make sure to wear protective gear such as gloves, eye protection and a hard hat. It’s best to have another adult help you with the project, as it is easy for people to fall off of ladders when they are trying to cut tree limbs over their heads.
Branches that hang over a roof should be cut so they are no longer touching the roof surface or abrading it during a storm. If a branch brushes up against the shingles, it can scrape the outer layer of granules, exposing the asphalt underneath, which can then cause leaks and other roofing problems.
You can also use a pruning saw to cut high branches safely. When trimming a branch with a small bud, make a clean and slightly angled cut about 1/4 inches beyond the bud. This will keep the branch from growing back and creating another problem for you in the future.
Walk on Your Roof
If you’re a homeowner, you know the importance of regular roof maintenance to keep your house protected from storms, water damage, and other issues. Unfortunately, it can sometimes be necessary to walk on the roof of your home for work purposes. However, you’ll want to make sure that you’re doing it safely to prevent falling or getting injured.
Typically, it’s not recommended to walk directly on the ridge of the roof as this can cause it to weaken or even break under your weight. Instead, you should choose to walk across the roof in a diagonal direction. This way, your feet will be always somewhat aligned with the ridge, which offers added balance and safety.
It’s also important to avoid stepping on any raised or out-of-line tiles as these can break under your weight. If you have a hard time walking on the roof or if you have vertigo, it’s a good idea to hire a roofing professional who can do the work safely.
Proper footwear is also crucial when walking on a roof, as shoes with proper traction will prevent slips and falls. It’s best to wear rubber-soled shoes that offer plenty of grip. For added safety, you should use a harness to help reduce the risk of falling off the roof.
While walking on the roof, it’s also a good idea to avoid placing your weight on the shingles as this can weaken or even break them. Instead, it’s best to walk over the ridge in a diagonal direction and take small steps.
When it comes to descending the roof, it’s also a safer option to do this backward like you would climb down a ladder. This method prevents you from slipping as you step down, and it also helps to ensure that your feet are aligned with the ridge of the roof for added stability.
When it comes to addressing any roofing problems, there’s no doubt that you will need to walk on the roof from time to time. It’s vital to keep these safety tips in mind, and by following them, you can safely and effectively carry out any roof maintenance or repairs.
Inspect Your Roof
Your roof performs many big jobs, including shedding rain and snow, keeping the house warm, preventing moisture damage to the foundation and basement and providing air circulation. It’s a complex system, and just like your HVAC system or plumbing, it needs regular inspections to keep it working well.
A professional inspector can catch problems early and prevent them from escalating into expensive repairs or replacement. A thorough inspection includes checking for signs of normal wear and tear, inspecting gutters and downspouts, and identifying areas where a storm could cause damage.
An inspector can examine your home’s shingles from the ground to look for cracks, loose or missing shingle tabs and curling or buckling. They also look for granule loss that indicates a need to replace the shingle. They can check the condition of fascia boards, soffits and eaves for any rot or insect infestation. Inspectors can also check the condition of chimney flashing and vent pipes to ensure they are properly anchored.
It’s important to check for long-term ponding water in the roof area, particularly around drains, as this can lead to structural damage. A professional can also evaluate the drainage of the roof, making sure it is sloped and that downspouts are not blocked.
When you’re ready to start your own home maintenance, put a reminder on your calendar to walk the perimeter of your home once a year and visually inspect it. You may not want to get on the roof if you are squeamish about heights, but you can use binoculars and spot obvious issues from a ladder or the ground.
It’s important to catch roof issues before they turn into major repair or replacement costs. If you are concerned about the condition of your roof, contact a local roofing company for an inspection and professional roof repairs. We can identify the most common problems and recommend the best solutions. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial roofing services, including roof repairs, replacements and new construction. Call us today for a free estimate. We serve homeowners in the Atlanta metro area.