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Summer Roofing Maintenance Checklist
Summer is the perfect time to get out and make some improvements on your house and yard, but is your roof on your to-do list as well? Did you know there are maintenance items that can be done on your roof to help prolong the lifespan? Here's a quick checklist of items you can take care of this summer to help cut down on big repairs later on!
Check your shingles
Take a look at your shingles- no ladder required! If you want a closer look, you can always break out the binoculars, but just eyeballing should be good. Damage will usually be visible. Are there any:
- Missing shingles
- Curling shingles
- Cracked shingles
- Peeling flashing (metal pieces on your roof)
- Missing granules
Look up!
Take a walk around your house and check out the ceiling. Some spots aren't quite as visible as others and some rooms aren't entered as frequently, so some leaks can go unnoticed for an extended period of time. Take a moment to walk around your entire house and enter all the rooms. Check the ceilings and corners for any discolored or damp patches. Also be sure and take a look in your attic. Water doesn't always make its way down into the lower levels, so checking your attic for leaks, stains, or damp areas is also important.
Clean out your gutters
Keeping your gutters clean is not just important for the gutters, but also your home! Clogged gutters can lead to water flowing up and under your roof eaves. It also can cause the gutters to become heavy and pull away from the fascia. This is a huge safety hazard, as they can become unstable and fall. Be sure you are cleaning your gutters at least twice a year.
Check your chimney
We know you definitely are having your chimney swept regularly (right??) but are you having the outside inspected as well? Your chimney sticks out, so it is exposed to the elements a bit more than other parts of your roof. Even birds and squirrels can do some damage. Take a look at your chimney, all sides, and make sure there are no exposed spots due to missing siding, brick, mortar, etc. Also check the flashing and make sure there are no areas that are peeling. Compromised areas can lead to water damage, which will get worse over time.
Trim any overhanging branches
Trees are wonderful to have, but when they start reaching over your house it might be time for a trim. Overhanging limbs can cause a number of problems and not just when it comes to the falling hazard during storms! Their limbs can scratch and rub on your roof, causing the materials to become compromised. The excess falling debris can lead to the debris collecting on the roof, maintaining moisture, and causing the shingles to break down at a faster rate. They also act as a perfect critter highway, allowing squirrels and rats direct access onto your roof, chimney, and potentially into your attic- yikes! Get in touch with an arborist to discuss the best ways to keep your trees healthy and your roof safe.
Roof Inspection
The best way to ensure your roof is in great condition is to get a trained eye to come take a look at it. A professional roofer will be able to inspect your roof corner to corner and check for storm damage, material wear, or aging. They'll be able to tell you if it is worth a repair or if maybe it's time for a full replacement. Contact us today for a complimentary inspection and check one more thing off your summer to-do list!
