A well-maintained roof is central to safeguarding your living and working spaces. It helps protect the home or office building from the harsh weather elements. Regular maintenance contributes to its overall comfort, energy efficiency, and improved appearance.
At Jimmy's Roofing, our roofers believe in understanding the basics of proper roof maintenance. Knowing what to do and when to do it can aid in extending the lifespan of your roof. It will also enable you to avoid premature replacements and costly repairs.
1. Schedule Regular Roof Inspections
Just like all other areas of your home or office building, the roof needs to undergo routine inspections. According to the National Roofing Contractors Association, property owners should schedule biannual roof inspections. This will help them identify potential problem areas early.
Many roof-related problems are caused by seasonal weather conditions, temperature fluctuations, and UV breakdown. Addressing these problems as they arise can prevent costly repairs down the line. It also prevents them from escalating.
2. Fix a Damaged Chimney
Repairing a damaged chimney calls for a detailed inspection of the structure and the surrounding area. The first thing the inspector will do is to check for gaps or cracks. This indicates damage that may have been caused by age, weather, or other factors.
If any of these are present, the inspector will recommend that you have them fixed as soon as possible. The following are five things to look for if you suspect your home chimney is damaged.
- Flaking or fallen tiles
- Leaks
- Crumbling masonry
- Cracks
- Damaged mortar joints
A damaged chimney can allow water and moisture to penetrate the roof of your home in Spokane Valley. This can then lead to the deterioration of roofing materials, including roof decking, underlayment, and shingles. Over time, this can lead to costly roof repairs.
3. Rid the Roof of Dust and Debris
You’ll want to hose off your roof at least once or twice each year. While this is the recommended minimum, it can change depending on several factors. Examples of these include, your location and the kind of trees growing around the structure.
If you decide to pressure wash the roof, make sure to leave this job to the experts. We urge you not to attempt a DIY job as it may pose several risks. While most people believe that it’s fine to pressure wash provided the stream is indirect, there are several reasons not to do it.
For starters, most homes in Spokane Valley have tiled roofs. Tiles are porous and can crack or break when exposed to a pressure washer. Secondly, if you use incorrect chemicals or cleaners, this can compromise their integrity even further. Therefore, let the experts handle this task.
4. Replace Missing or Damaged Shingles
The constant exposure to the elements means your shingles will start falling off or breaking down. Our roofers recommend that you have them repaired as soon as the problem becomes evident. Missing, worn, and broken shingles are a common issue to experience as the roof ages.
A few broken shingles may not pose an immediate problem. However, if you leave them unattended for too long, they could damage the rest of your roof. Missing or broken shingles can cause leaks and ventilation issues.
5. Trim Overhanging Tree Branches
Oversized trees in a compound may be beautiful to look at, but they’re a danger to your roof. Broken branches, moss growth, and the build-up of leaves can cause untold damage to the gutters and roofing structure.
Whenever there are strong winds, the overhanging branches can lift or crack the shingles. We recommend keeping all nearby trees trimmed, as a way of minimizing damage. Do this for all trees near your home or commercial building.
6. Repair the Roof
Besides fixing all missing and broken shingles, you’ll also need to undertake regular roof repairs. Anytime you notice stagnant water, storm damage, or holes in the roof, call our expert roofers to get them fixed.
This holds true for all issues no matter how minor they may seem. While at it, avoid putting off repairs. Delaying roof repairs may prove costly down the line. The more you delay, the more the damage escalates leading to expensive repairs.
7. Inspect the Roof for Storm Damage
Roofing experts recommend inspecting your roof after every storm. A roof inspection is especially important if the storm had intense rain and winds.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to climb to the roof to assess the damage. Simply walk around the building and scan the roof for noticeable pooling. Other signs to look for include debris build-up and broken tiles.
If you notice debris build-up, use this opportunity to have it removed immediately. And as with all things roofing-related, desist from removing the debris on your own. Call our roofing team, and they will remove the debris for you.
8. Get Rid of Ice Dams
Ice and snow can put extra weight on your residential roofing system. If left to accumulate for days, they can even cause breakage. In addition, they can also cause temperature changes that may result in thermal shock and strain your roofing materials.
You can use water and road salt or a long scraper to remove built-up ice during the winter season. If you notice that the ice chunks are too big, have a professional handle the removal. DIY ice dam removal jobs may come with various risks.
9. Ensure Proper Attic Ventilation
Circulation of cool air in and hot air out of the attic is crucial to the health of your roofing system. If an obstruction is present, your attic will become damp. This will lead to water build-up and mold growth.
Therefore, have an expert roofer inspect the attic at least once a year. Their inspection will confirm that the soffits and roof vents are in optimal shape. This will mean that you don’t have to worry about pests, obstructions, or any other issues.
10. Remove Mold
If your building is in a shaded area, the roof may retain water during the cold seasons. A wet environment will encourage mold growth which will stain the surface. It will also lead to premature wear and tear as the fungi begin to eat up the roofing material.
Be on the lookout for possible signs of mold infestation. They include leakage and the presence of a musty odor. If they’re present, consult with our roofers on the best course of action.
Professional Roof Maintenance in Spokane Valley
Proper roof maintenance is vital for property owners looking to prolong the life of their roofing systems. Scheduling regular roof inspections, repairing damaged chimneys, and removing mold are some of the ways to help extend the life of your roof.
At Jimmy's Roofing, we specialize in residential and commercial roof maintenance in Spokane Valley. Our services are geared towards protecting your roof from damage and safeguarding the lives of your loved ones. In addition to roof maintenance, we also offer other services such as residential roof inspections, commercial roof replacement, residential roof cleaning, and flat roof repair. To learn more about residential and commercial roof maintenance in Spokane Valley, contact Jimmy's Roofing today!
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