Your roof protects your home from the elements. It’s important to keep it maintained so that it can withstand rain, snow, and sunlight.

A poorly maintained roof can leak, causing water damage to walls, ceilings, and insulation. This can lead to expensive repairs and potential mold growth.

Regular inspections and prompt repairs prevent these issues. Here are 5 advantages of routine roof maintenance:

The flashing is the unsung hero of your roof, protecting it from water damage. It seals vulnerable areas, such as where the roof meets the walls and dormers and at penetrations like chimneys and skylights. The flashing also prevents water from seeping into the home, reducing the risk of mold and rot. Often, when you have a leaky roof, the problem is with the flashing, so it’s important to inspect it on a regular basis.

Flashing is usually made of metal and consists of thin strips that are nailed to the roof. The most common types of flashing are aluminum, copper and lead.

During your roof inspection, you should look for cracks in the flashing and holes. If you find a gap, it needs to be sealed as soon as possible or it will allow rain and other moisture to enter the house, causing water damage.

You should also check the flashing for rust, as this can indicate that it’s deteriorating and no longer providing protection. You should also check the flashing around chimneys, skylights and other openings on the roof to ensure that they are properly sealed.

If you notice any rust on the flashing, it’s a good idea to call in a professional roofer as soon as possible. This will help to prevent the rust from spreading and damaging the rest of the roof.

Lastly, you should also inspect the roof for any debris that has built up. Leaving debris on the roof can cause it to become clogged and prevent water from draining properly. Also, it’s a good idea to check the areas around any equipment that is installed on the roof, such as a satellite dish or HVAC system. Make sure that all cables and straps are securely fastened and that there is no slack, which could cause the equipment to fail.

By following these tips, you can keep your roof in good condition and avoid expensive repairs down the road. Make sure to inspect your roof on a regular basis, especially after storms, and be aware of any signs of water damage so that you can have them repaired as soon as possible.

Trim Tree Branches

Trees are an important part of any property. They provide shade and beauty, as well as add value to your home. But they also need to be trimmed regularly, especially if they hang over your roof. Long limbs can become a safety hazard during storms and may cause damage to the roof or electrical lines. In addition, they can scrape the shingles on the roof and cause leaks.

It’s important to be familiar with the needs of each species of tree in your yard, as different types have unique growth patterns that might influence how and when they need to be trimmed. A professional arborist can help you understand the needs of your trees and recommend how to keep them healthy and safe for your home.

When trimming the limbs, it’s important to make the first cut on the underside of the branch, about a foot from the trunk. This prevents the branch from falling back onto the trunk and potentially damaging it.

Next, find the branch collar — the area around the base of the trunk where the branch connects to it. This is usually slightly swollen and has rougher bark. You’ll want to cut just outside of this, so you don’t cut into the rot pocket within the trunk. Finally, make a second cut on the top side of the branch, about an inch away from the first one. This will give the branch a place to break off when it falls and avoid tearing or ripping into your roof.

When you’re finished, be sure to clean up any branches and debris that fall from the trees during the trimming process. This will protect your roof and gutters from damage. It will also help prevent the spread of mold spores, such as Cladosporium and Stachybotrys, which can cause respiratory issues and other health problems in your family and guests. If you notice any spores, wash the affected areas and vacuum them up. Regularly inspecting your roof for leaking spots and other signs of damage, as well as removing overhanging branches, will help you avoid costly repairs in the future.

Clean the Roof

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against precipitation, high winds, and debris. Routine maintenance keeps it resilient and helps prevent leaks that can damage drywall, insulation, and compromise structural components. The majority of leaks happen because water seeps through surface materials, so many maintenance tasks are geared toward water resistance and spotting problems early.

Cleaning the Roof

First, remove any leaves, pine needles or other debris that might have collected. This is important, as trapped materials can trap moisture and support mold, mildews, mosses, and fungi that can penetrate the surface materials and cause damage.

Next, apply a solution that is designed to remove algae and moss from the roof surface. Standard bleach (the kind you use to wash whites or scrub toilets) should be enough to kill the spores and break down the growth. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, as some solutions require several applications and rinsing.

You can also hire a professional roof cleaner to perform this task, but it is important that you prepare the site before they arrive. This includes covering any landscaping, decking or patios with plastic drop cloths to prevent the solution from damaging those materials. It is also a good idea to warn your neighbors or anyone living in your house about the process and inform them to stay out of the way. It is not uncommon for a cleaning solution to run off and spray plants, walkways or driveways.

Once the algae and moss are removed, the roof should be rinsed thoroughly with clean water. If there are any stains that remain, they may be caused by dirt, mildew, or mold and can usually be removed with a sponge, brush, or cloth. You can also purchase products that are specially designed to remove these specific types of stains without damaging the shingles.

Once the roof is clean, you should inspect all of the flashing and gutters for damage and re-flash any splits in the field or penetration base flashing. Then, re-seal any open areas around chimneys and skylights to prevent water from seeping through the openings. The final step is to trim back any overhanging tree branches that could snag on the roof or become a tripping hazard during storms.

Inspect the Gutters

Gutters are designed to divert water away from roof surfaces, siding and foundations to prevent moisture damage. When gutters are not working properly, water can flow onto the roof, causing rot and leaks inside the home. Inspecting the gutters regularly helps ensure they are clean and able to perform their function.

Homeowners can inspect their own gutter systems as part of the roof portion of a home inspection, but it’s best to hire a qualified inspector to assess and make recommendations for any repairs needed. A professional inspector will also be able to identify problems that the homeowner might not notice, such as gaps or holes in the gutter system or downspouts that allow water to seep through.

First, the inspector will visually inspect the gutters from the ground. This can help to determine the overall condition of the gutters and whether or not they are attached to the house. If the gutters appear to be loose or detached, they will need to be reattached. In addition, the inspector will look for areas of standing water or a pool of water in the gutter troughs. These can indicate the gutters have a low slope or are not being adequately draining.

The inspector will also check the downspouts to make sure they are open and free from obstructions. The downspouts should be positioned to divert water 4 to 6 feet away from the foundation of the home. This will help to keep moisture from penetrating the walls and into the basement.

Finally, the inspector will check to make sure that gutters and downspouts have wire strainers installed on them. These are designed to block large debris such as leaves, which can cause downspouts and sewer lines to become clogged. The inspector will also check the gutters for signs of corrosion around fasteners or rusted areas.

Regardless of the season, the roof and gutters should be inspected at least twice a year. The first inspection should be performed in the late spring or early fall when temperatures are moderate. During these times, it’s easier to locate problem areas and complete the necessary repairs before extreme weather hits.