After buying your car, do you just drive it until it stops working? No. In order to get the most out of your car you maintain it; taking it for oil changes, changing the tires, replacing headlights – basically all the things that keep your car in good working condition. Well the same concept applies to your roof. Regular roof maintenance will extend the service life of your existing roof system.
By maintaining your roof, you are proactively working to identify any possible problems before they occur, rather than simply reacting to them once they appear. As with any problem, early detection is the key to minimizing and preventing costly damages. When a problem is addressed at its initial stage, it can be corrected before it becomes a severe problem with the potential for costly interior property damage.
These are some simple steps you can take to help maintain the condition of your roof:
- Clean all debris from the surface of the roof
- Keep all gutters free of debris
- Trim back any overhanging tree branches – these can cause damage
- If your roof is starting to collect moss or algae, install some zinc or lead control strips
- Check all flashings – make sure they have not deteriorated and that there are no holes in them
- Replace any damaged shingles (this should be called in to your roofing installer, as it may be covered under a workmanship warranty)
- Check all caulking and sealants – ensure that they are still sealed
- Check the mortar on chimneys and parapet walls, both in between the brick and on top
- Check for blisters in the roof – if evident, DO NOT STEP ON OR PUNCTURE THEM.
Keep in mind that the roof is the area of a building that gets the most abuse from the elements. By maintaining your roof, you are ensuring many years of useful service life for your roof.
