Your roof protects your home from the elements, helping maintain its structural integrity. A cool roof can help you lower your cooling cost by reducing the temperature of your home in summer. Regardless of the type of roof you have, maintain it regularly. Regular roof maintenance in Marin County addresses and prevents roofing problems, saving you money on costly repairs. Well-maintained roofs last longer than poorly maintained roofs.
Here are some roof maintenance tips every homeowner must know.
Inspect Your Roof Regularly
Visually inspect your roof for signs of damage, such as roof leaks and holes in the membrane, at regular intervals. After a storm, perform a comprehensive inspection to identify problems such as missing shingles, curling and cracked shingles, peeling flashing, and missing granules. You will want to address any roofing problems as soon as possible.
Periodically Inspect Your Attic and Ceilings
Check your attic and ceilings just as regularly as your roof for leaks. Some common signs of water leaks in the attic include spots on your exterior walls, patches on your interior walls, and musty odors in some rooms. You know you have a leaking ceiling if water stains appear regularly. If you notice any of these signs, try to locate the leak. Once you have found the location of the leak, have a roofing contractor patch up the hole.
Clean Your Roof
Dirt can accumulate on roofs over time. Unclean roofs are an eyesore. Algae and mold tend to grow on them. Lichen, moss, and mold can cause serious damage to roofing system components and negatively affect the structural integrity of your roof.
To clean your roof, mix a quart of standard laundry bleach and a gallon of water in a bucket and load the solution into a sprayer. Using your garden hose, soak your shingles with water. Once all your shingles are wet, spray the cleaning solution on your roof. Wait for 15-20 minutes and then rinse off the solution.
*A word of caution: Do not use power washers, as high-water pressure can damage your shingles.
Schedule Professional Maintenance
Have a professional maintain your roof at least twice a year. There are several benefits of professional roofing inspection. A roofing contractor is trained to identify the subtle signs of roofing problems. With their trained eyes, they never miss a detail.
During a maintenance session, your roofing contractor performs an in-depth inspection which includes checking the shingles, gutters, chimneys, flashing, downspouts, and vents. They also clean your roof and repair or replace damaged parts.
Trim Any Overhanging Branches
Overhanging branches can scrape against your rooftop, damaging your shingles. Leaves from an overhanging branch can end up in your gutters, blocking them. During a high wind event, an old branch can fall on your roof, causing structural damage. To keep your roof clean, trim back tree branches hanging over your roof.
ARS Roofing & Gutters is committed to helping homeowners get the most out of their roofs. Our roofing technicians use their extensive knowledge of different types of roofing systems to develop cost-effective solutions to roofing problems. To schedule a roofing inspection, call (415) 459-7200.