Your roof protects your family and the home’s structure from summer thunderstorms, strong winds, and heavy ice and snow. Annual roof maintenance is a must so it won’t have to be replaced prematurely. Beyond taking care of routine tasks like cleaning out the gutters, regular maintenance helps catch minor issues before they become serious problems, requiring extensive and expensive repairs.
Inspect the Roofing
An inspection is an integral part of an annual roof maintenance routine. It’s recommended that you hire a professional roofer to look at the structure and materials. They will be able to verify that the roof is in good condition and will make recommendations for repairs that need to be done. Your roofer may also estimate the age of the materials and give you an idea of how soon to plan for a replacement.
Annual Maintenance of the Roof Begins Indoors
The inside of your home provides insight into the condition of your roof. Examine the interior of your house for signs of a problem. You might notice water stains on the ceiling caused by moisture seeping through the roof. Look for signs of moisture on the ceiling and walls. This can indicate a roof leak. In some cases, you might notice mold on the ceiling due to persistent moisture issues.
Exterior Roof Maintenance
If you haven’t hired a professional roofer, use a ladder to inspect your roof. If possible, walk the roof to remove downed tree limbs, twigs, and other debris. Look for missing or broken shingles, signs of rot, damaged flashing, and soft or sagging spots on the roof.
Replace damaged or missing shingles as soon as possible to prevent water from seeping into your home. Call a professional if you notice areas of rot or if the roofline appears to be sagging.
Clean the Gutters as Part of Your Annual Roof Maintenance
The gutters help protect the roofing materials by helping water drain away from your home. Gutter funnel rain and snowmelt off the roof and away from the foundation. Clean the gutters when they fill with debris. This could be an annual task or, depending on where you live, you may need to do this a few times each year.
Remove leaves, twigs, animal nests, and other debris from the gutter channels. Use the garden hose to rinse the gutters and verify water is draining properly from the downspouts. Look for rusting areas and cracks in the guttering and make repairs if needed.
Ocean State Home Inspections provides inspection services in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Contact us to schedule an appointment.