The sunny season is not only long, but also the best season to get your roof in great shape. Therefore, ensure you include roof-maintenance in your summer to-do list. Here are some roofing tips to make roofing maintenance smooth-sailing.
Start By Cleaning Up the Gutters And Downspouts
Gutters and downspouts are integral parts of a house roof. They help control the flow of rainwater to the ground, thus protecting the roof and even the foundation of your home. At the beginning of summer, they tend to collect leaves, sticks, and all types of debris from spring.
When the debris piles up, it tends to clog your gutters and can easily cause a leaky roof. The dirt also tends to accumulate in the drains resulting in an overflow on the gutters. In preparation of summer storms, start by cleaning out your gutters.
If the gutters are clean, you don’t have to worry about blockage on the drains. The good thing, is that you can handle this task singlehandedly. All you need is a stable ladder to hold you up while you do the cleaning.
You will also need a gutter brush to clean out the debris and a garden hose to wash off the remaining dirt. Also, for your well-being, don’t forget to wear a pair of gloves. Since summer is usually hot, do this during morning hours when the sun is still gentle.
A Note on the Ladder
It’s vital to note that the over 500,000 Americans fall off a ladder while carrying out similar tasks. The last thing you want is to end up like one of them. Therefore, ensure your ladder is sturdy enough. To test its sturdiness on the ground, climb the first two steps to see if it’s well balanced.
If yes, then you can proceed and carry out the activity at hand. Also, strategically place it so it doesn’t rest on the gutters. They’re usually not very strong and your weight on the ladder can cause them to collapse, thus hurting you even more.
Carry Out an Inspection
Even though most of the debris tends to pile up in the gutter, this doesn’t mean the roof is in shape. There could be a broken shingle or a loose bolt which will force you and your family to run around with pots and pans trying to catch leaking water. Once you get all the gutter dirt out of the way, carry out a basic roof inspection.
Be on the lookout for missing or broken shingles. Also, look out for cupping or curling shingles. While at it, don’t forget to take pictures so you can compare them to photos you took the last time you carried out an inspection.
If there are too many buckled shingles and your roof looks too uneven, this is a clear indication of wear and tear. Therefore, do something about it! Note, one wrong step could result in even more roof damage or even a severe slip and fall injury.
Therefore, if you’ve never done this before, inspect your roof from the ladder. If your roof is way too broad to inspect while standing at one point, get a pair of binoculars. The other alternative is to contact a professional roofing company and let them do the job.
Be On the Lookout for Moss, Algae, and Mold
Moss, algae, and mold tend to grow on the roof. While the three affect the aesthetic appearance of your roof, moss is the most harmful of all. It holds water, and if nothing is done, releases moisture, which in turn causes your roof to rot.
Therefore, if you spot any moss, do away with it immediately by brushing it off. If it’s been a while since you inspected your roof, the moss might have already established itself. In this case, use a product with potassium salts to kill it off, as this is more environmentally friendly. Next, install copper strips to prevent it from growing again.
As for mold and algae, you can remove them by brushing them off and then using a pressure washer to get rid of them permanently. Nonetheless, be careful while doing it, because the wrong pressure washer can easily wash off essential elements of your roof. If you’re not up for the task, contact a roof maintenance company to handle it professionally.
Don’t Forget the Flashing
Another important roof maintenance tip is to ensure the flashing is in good shape. The flashing refers to the metal strips around your roof. They tend to crack or loosen over time.
While carrying out your basic roof inspection, be sure to check them out. If they’re damaged beyond saving, it’s wiser to replace them, as waiting longer will only make the process more expensive.
Trim Any Overhanging Tree Limbs
Trees make your compound aesthetically pleasing. If they are near the house, it’s vital that you cut down any overhanging tree limbs. Why? These branches present a potential hazard during summer storms, as they may break off and fall on you or a member of your family.
They may also break off and fall on your roof, causing extensive damage. During windy weather, they’ll scrape it resulting in broken shingles or tiles. Additionally, during summer, they tend to shed.
Having trees near your home, means that the leaves and weak branches will all end up in your gutter and drain. Be wise and prevent this in advance by cutting down overgrown limbs.
Explore More Roof Maintenance Tips
Carrying out routine roof maintenance will help you make significant savings on time and money. Contact Landmark Roofing by calling 443-214-2533 or emailing us today to explore more roof tips from top-rated roofing experts.
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