Roofing maintenance involves inspections and routine tasks that help protect your home from damage. A regular checkup is especially important after severe weather or natural disasters. Speak with Corpus Christi Roofing CO for quality solutions.
Gutter cleaning and removing debris helps to direct water away from the roof. This can prevent clogs and leaks.
Insulation and ventilation prevent moisture buildup in the attic and help regulate temperature and energy efficiency.
Many homeowners are unaware that problems with the roof can start inside the attic. An annual attic inspection can reveal long-standing issues such as a leaky roof, mold/mildew growth and the lack of ventilation that threatens indoor humidity levels and air quality. Leaks can be especially damaging if they are left untreated, as they often result in rotting attic framing and structural damage.
When examining the attic, a home inspector will look for signs of moisture control and aging of the shingles. Depending on the situation, it may be necessary to have them replaced.
Proper attic ventilation is vital to a healthy shingle roof. Without it, hot air can cause condensation that damages shingles and the attic framing. Inspectors should also check for blocked vents, rusted nails and a lack of insulation.
A properly insulated attic will prevent heat from rising to the living space, reducing cooling costs and helping to prevent ice dams in northern climates. Insulation should be a minimum of nine to ten inches thick.
Inspecting the attic also gives a good view of the quality of wood framing in a home. Framing quality is essential in South Florida to ensure the integrity of the roof structure and to help withstand the high winds we are so accustomed to. Inspectors will check for trusses and rafters that are cracked or rotted, indicating substandard construction practices.
Overhanging tree limbs can do serious damage to the roof and should be trimmed regularly. They also can scrape shingles. In addition, they can block sunlight from the roof, which can promote fading of the shingles.
Pests such as ants, rats, mice and termites can also turn the attic into their own personal playground. A thorough attic inspection can catch the presence of rodents and other infestations before they can do any damage to the living space below.
Although attic inspections can be done by the homeowner, it is best to leave it to a professional for safety reasons and to spot potential trouble before it gets out of hand. Home inspectors are trained to recognize a wide range of attic issues, including the signs of leaks, inadequate ventilation, a lack of insulation and pest infestations.
Clean the Gutters
Gutters play a significant role in keeping the roof and home safe, but only when they’re in good condition. They collect and channel water (and debris) away from the roof, thereby protecting it from damage, but they can’t do that job if they’re clogged with leaves and other debris. Gutters that aren’t properly maintained can result in water leaks around the roof, basement flooding, rotting wood roof structures, foundation damage, and soggy crawlspaces.
Gutter cleaning is an easy maintenance task that’s often overlooked, but it’s important to do on a regular basis. In addition to directing water and preventing water damage, it also prevents mold and mildew growth, twigs and other debris from falling onto the roof, and pest infestations. The best way to check the condition of your gutters is to look for clogs, pooling water, and misaligned gutters.
When gutters become clogged with debris, they overflow and cause water to back up against the roof, causing shingle damage. It can also lead to moisture buildup in the attic and behind walls, which creates a breeding ground for fungi like moss and mildew. It can also cause soil erosion, water seepage into the house foundation, and sagging of the roofline.
A clogged gutter can also damage the soffit and fascia, rust or warp wood, causing more costly repairs. It can also contribute to the collapse of the entire gutter system, which is a serious structural problem that’s expensive to repair.
When you’re cleaning the gutters, be sure to use a sturdy ladder on a level surface and have a partner hold it steady. It’s always wise to place a tarp on the ground near the ladder for easy cleanup of debris and dirty water. It’s also a good idea to wear a mask to protect yourself from mold and other contaminants. A nozzle attached to a garden hose works well for dislodging and washing away leaves, twigs, and other debris without damaging the roof. Be careful not to spray water directly on the shingles, however, as it can melt the top layer of the shingle and cause premature failure.
Trim Trees
While trees are a beautiful part of any landscape, they can also pose a threat to your roof in the form of falling branches during a storm. Keeping tree branches trimmed can prevent damage to your roof, reduce the risk of branches snapping and falling, and help avoid attracting pests that will feed on your roof shingles.
When trimming trees, be sure to use the correct technique to avoid damaging the bark. Start your cut on the underside of the branch, several inches away from where it joins the trunk or main stem. Then, move up to the next branch and make a cut that’s an inch or so farther out from where you made your first cut. This allows the callus to form more quickly and protects against water damage in the wound.
The third and final cut should be made an inch or so outside the branch collar — the small lip of bark that each branch protrudes from at its base. This area is slightly swollen and has rougher bark than the rest of the trunk, and you want to avoid cutting into this area as it’s responsible for preventing tree diseases.
Always remove dead branches, as these can fall and break during a storm. You should also look for limbs that are rubbing against your roof and trim them to eliminate potential problems. Aside from reducing the risk of debris falling onto your roof, regularly trimming your trees can increase the amount of sunlight that gets to your shingles. This helps prevent moss growth and speeds up how long your roof takes to dry after a rainstorm.
Thinning a tree’s crown reduces its density and increases air circulation, which can help avoid fungus and insect infestation. Using this method on mature trees can significantly increase their lifespan and improve their beauty. If you aren’t comfortable doing these pruning tasks yourself, hire a certified arborist to do them for you. Never “topping” a tree, as this can cause serious structural problems and dramatically shorten its life. For more tips on proper tree maintenance, check with a gardening resource or a local landscaping company.
Inspect the Roof
Your roof is a vital part of your home. It protects the walls and foundation from water damage. Regular maintenance can prevent the need for expensive repairs later. It’s essential to inspect your roof for damage and signs of wear and tear. This will save money, time, and stress.
You can perform a visual inspection of your roof on your own, or hire a professional. It’s important to inspect your roof before and after storms. Look for shingles that are curled up, blown off, or missing. If you find any of these, they will need to be replaced as soon as possible. Leaving these issues unattended can lead to serious leaks and other problems.
During your roof inspection, check the gutters and downspouts. They should be free of debris such as leaves, twigs, and nests, which could hinder drainage. Also check for rust or cracks, which could lead to leaks. It’s also important to examine the attic for any signs of water damage, such as mildew or mold, as well as ceiling stains and bubbling.
Your gutters help direct rainwater and melting snow away from the walls and foundation of your home. This prevents water from entering through the walls and causing water intrusion in your attic and other parts of the house. Check for clogged gutters and downspouts during your roof inspection, and clean them regularly to prevent water damage.
Ventilation is another important aspect of a healthy shingle roof. It allows hot air and moisture to escape, preventing the buildup of heat and condensation that can damage shingles. Make sure your attic has adequate ventilation and that any vents, chimneys, and skylights are properly sealed and secured.
During your roof inspection, look at the flashing, which is strips of metal or other material that diverts water from areas where walls meet the roof. Your inspector will ensure that all penetration seals are in good condition and that the flashing itself is secure and watertight. Your inspector will also look for signs of deterioration, which is often caused by corrosion or water penetration.
