Roofing Section - Roof Maintenance

Roofing Information:

Some roofs need less maintenance than other roofing systems. You should check your roofing system a few times per year. The spring and autumn are always a good time. In the spring, it will give you a chance to see how your roof faired during the winter months and in the autumn, how your roof will fair in the upcoming winter season. The weather here in Victoria is usually milder then elsewhere but an inspection is still a good idea. Be sure that your roof is free of debris and the gutters and downspouts are clear. Your roof gets more abuse from the weather than any other part of your home.

Doing a regular roof inspection and preforming preventative maintenance can save you money on your roofing system by providing a longer life for your roof. The most important factor to a good roof is proper installation. The best roofing materials are worthless if they are installed incorrectly. Be very careful when choosing a roofing contractor. Always try to get 3 or 4 quotes for your roofing project. Check the references of the roofing contractor that you hired by talking to previous customers to make sure they were satisfied with the work done.

Preventative Roof Maintenance

Preventive maintenance for your roof is a way for you to schedule inspections and correct any defects you may come across. The purpose is to maximize the life expectancy of your roofing system. This will provide maximum protection to your home and the contents within while minimizing any repair or replacement costs.

• If asphalt shingle tabs are loose, re-tab with a cement recommended by the shingle manufacturer.
• Overhanging branches should be kept trimmed away from the roof. This will prevent leaves, small branches and other debris from building up and keeping the roof wet.
• Keep drains and gutters clean.
• Foot traffic on steep roofs should be minimized both for safety reasons and to avoid physical damage.
• Caulking of flashings must be regularly inspected and maintained.
• Granule erosion on asphalt shingles will lead to early deterioration of the shingle.
• Improper ventilation of attic spaces may result in curling and blistering/buckling of asphalt shingles.
• Install zinc strips to prevent moss build-up. Power washing the roof removes moss and other debris but may erode granules on asphalt shingles, and may also promote premature degradation of cedar roofing.
• Ensure ventilation is available, year round. Areas with louvers, ridge vents, roof vents, and soffit vents need to be kept clear and never blocked off. Adequate ventilation ensures heat and moisture do not build up in the attic area. Adequate ventilation also prevents water from accumulating at the bottom of the roof and then freezing (ice damming).
• Zinc or copper strips nailed at the ridge cap can be effective to control moss. Reaction between rain and the zinc or copper forms a mild solution that is carried down sections of the roof. The optional use of these strips can be eliminated if you are using preservative treated cedar.
• Gutters and downspouts need to be cleaned regularly, usually in the spring and fall. Downspouts (leaders) should run directly to the ground or to another gutter below. Never let a downspout drain directly onto a lower roof surface.
• Do not allow leaves, branches or other debris to build up on the roof. Both surface areas and keyways (spaces between shakes and shingles) need to be kept clear.

 
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