Tips for Maintaining Your Roof
It is very important to inspect the state of your roof every spring and fall for damage or potential problem areas. If left unchecked, these problem areas can turn into major issues, but doing just a few simple things to maintain your roof can add years to its lifespan. Here are some of the top commercial roofing maintenance tips:
1. Inspect Your Shingles for Signs of Wear and Tear or Damage.
When it comes to proper roof maintenance, it’s essential to check your shingles twice a year and after bad storms for signs of problems and damage. Look for missing, lifted or damaged shingles since this is a common source of roof damage. These issues result in direct exposure to sun and weather elements. Also, look out for curled or buckled shingles, which can be caused by excessive hot air in your attic and can put your roof at risk for poor ventilation and weather damage.
If you’re able to take a close look at your shingles, check for granule loss. This loss of texture indicates that your shingles have been affected by severe weather or have aged to the point that they need to be replaced.
2. Be Sure to Seal Any Cracked Mortar Around Joints on Your Roof.
If you’re experiencing a leaky roof, cracked mortar around the joints could be the cause. You can use a low-grade caulk gun or roof cement spread with a putty knife to seal the area. However, the best solution is to contact roofing professionals for a roof repair to properly seal the cracks so you can ensure the job is done correctly and will last.
3. Clean or Sweep Off Debris on Your Roof, as This Could Lead to Damaged Shingles or Mold Growth.
Removing debris is one of the most straightforward and essential commercial roof maintenance tips. If you let debris build-up, it can lead to moss and mold growth, which are the biggest culprits for water damage, cracks and leaks. Moss can also cause curling in asphalt shingles, increasing the chance they get blown away in severe weather and allowing moisture to penetrate the roof.
Pressure washing your roof can help spray away moss or algae growing on your shingles and will leave you with a clean, cleared rooftop. If you have extensive mold and mildew buildup, along with cracked shingles, it may be a sign your roof needs resealing.
4. Cover and Clear Gutters to Allow Water to Drain.
It’s also vital to clear the debris like leaves and twigs from your gutters at least once a year. This also goes for any overhangs and downspouts you may have. Installing gutter covers and downspouts can help keep your gutters from clogging and require routine inspections for problems.
Clogged or damaged gutters, covers and downspouts can cause rotting wood, broken shingles and roof separation. Clogged gutters cause water backups, which rot the fascia. Untreated, the problems may lead to gaps, water damage and costly repairs later.
Insufficient or poor drainage is one of several reasons commercial roofs leak. Keep gutters clean and well-maintained to reduce your chances of leaks.
5. Trim Nearby Trees to Prevent Damage
Trees growing close to the house may look nice but can be dangerous hazards if left unmaintained. Limbs and branches close to your building and roof allow squirrels and other creatures to climb onto your roof from the trees. Storms and high winds, along with age, can cause limbs to break off and severely damage the house.
When trimming trees, also cut back landscaping like shrubs. These plants can block and clog gutters, preventing them from draining correctly.
6. In the Winter, Be Sure to Carefully Rake Off Any Excess Snow That Could Lead to Roof Weakening and Collapse.
Excess snow on your roof can cause what are known as ice dams. Ice dams are ridges of thick, solid ice that build up on the eaves of your building. These can loosen shingles and cause water build-ups. Excess snow can also result in water spots on your ceiling and even warped or cracked walls from the snow pressing down on your roof, which in turn puts pressure on the rest of the building.
Using a long-handled roof rake that you can use while standing safely on the ground will allow you to pull off the snow, and it will also change the exterior temperature of your roof without damaging the shingles.
7. Check Your Insulation to Ensure It’s in Good Condition.
Insulation protects you from heat loss in the winter and keeps cool air in summer. Quality insulation can help prevent many winter roof problems from forming, like ice dams and moisture build-up. While checking insulation, inspect the area for damage from leaks and animals, which may not be visible from outside.
Having proper insulation installed saves you from expensive heat loss. Inspecting your insulation for damage and defects keeps your roof insulated and your building at a comfortable temperature.
8. Set Up a Regular Roof Maintenance Program With a Professional.
While performing roof checks yourself can help catch roof problems, a professional roof maintenance service is the best way to keep your roof in excellent condition. Building owners often miss roof issues until they become large enough to see easily. Setting up a commercial maintenance program ensures you catch roof problems before costly damage occurs. Trained experts spot signs of wear and tear that are easily overlooked and will set you up with the best solution for maintaining the integrity of your roof.
Contact David Maines & Associates, Inc. & Maines Roofing for Your Roof Maintenance
It is easy to ignore roof maintenance, but at David Maines & Maines Roofing, we know better than to let a roof go without being taken care of. If you have any questions about potential roof maintenance, give us a call! We are a trusted commercial full-service roofing company with 28 years of experience. When you work with us, you can count on high-quality, customer-focused service. We also offer free inspections and no-obligation quotes so you can know what to expect before we start on your project.
When you need top-notch roof services, trust the experts at David Maines to maintain your commercial roof. To get in touch with us, fill out our online contact form and one of our team members will get back to you within one business day.