Every year, millions of homeowners replace their roofs because they have reached the end of their lifespan or have gone through a lot of storm damage. Still, looking after the roof properly over time may prevent small problems from turning into issues that shorten its lifespan.
If you are wondering what is included in roof maintenance, we have put together a quick roof maintenance checklist so you can spot common issues early. These regular checks are helpful in reducing the chances of small issues becoming costly roof problems.
- Look for Visible Damage Across the Roof
The outer roof covering serves as one of the home’s main defences against the elements. Depending on the property, this surface may be made from metal, clay/concrete tiles, or other roofing materials. As the surface ages, damaged roofing materials may appear cracked, blistered, or otherwise worn. The fasteners securing the roof surface should also be part of the check. Nails that are loose or sitting above the surface also indicate that sections of the roof are no longer as secure as they should be. This is often a sign that the surface is wearing down.
- Inspect Ridge Capping for Damage
Ridge capping sits along the highest points of a tiled roof. This is the reason why it plays an important role in sealing the joins between roof sections. The constant exposure to changing conditions will gradually wear down the bedding and pointing that hold the ridge caps in position. As their material begins to weaken, they may even become less secure. This then leaves surrounding areas more exposed to moisture. Including this area in regular roof maintenance will give you a better chance of spotting deterioration early.
- Check Flashing Around Vents and Skylights
Many roofs use flashing around skylights and other rooftop openings to direct water away from vulnerable areas. As such, these sections should be checked carefully during routine roof maintenance. As flashing ages, it can start to crack, lift, or pull away from the roof around vents and skylights. Over time, these openings can allow water to reach the roof membrane. This can further contribute to leaks or further deterioration.
- Clear Debris From Gutters
Leaves, twigs, and other debris often collect in gutters. This is particularly after windy weather or when trees sit close to the home. When this build-up is left in place, it can restrict water flow, which can lead to overflowing gutters during heavy rain. The tricky part here is that cleaning gutters by hand will require you to work from a ladder or close to the roof edge. If you are doing it yourself, make sure you are using a suitable ladder along with the right safety gear.
- Remove Organic Growth
Organic growth like moss, lichen, and algae can slowly take over sections of the roof, especially in damp areas. Besides changing how the surface looks, such organic growth can hold moisture against the surface. Aside from that, the buildup collects dirt around tiles and other roofing materials. By including roof cleaning in your roofing maintenance routine, you make it easier to see what is really going on up there. After all, green belongs in the garden, not spread across your roof.
- Assess the Condition of the Roof After a Storm
After severe weather, it’s always a good idea to take a look from the ground for anything that seems out of place. This is because some damage is not immediately obvious. This means that small changes can continue to develop even long after the storm has passed. Spotting those changes early makes it easier to deal with them before the next storm rolls through.
- Fresh water marks on the ceilings
- Sagging parts of the roof
- Damage around the fascia boards or soffits
- Branches resting on the roof
- Damp areas in the roof space
- Pieces of roofing material scattered around the yard
- Arrange Professional Residential Roof Maintenance Services When Needed
Wondering why a professional roof inspection is still worth arranging when you already follow a roof maintenance checklist? An experienced roofer will often notice potential problems that are not obvious from the ground. They can also provide useful tips in order to maintain your roof based on its current condition. At the same time, they can give you a rough estimate of how many more years the roof is likely to last.
Most roofers recommend arranging an inspection every two years. Still, scheduling one each year will give you more opportunities to catch any developing issues in your roof.
Give Your Roof a Little TLC With Nev’s Roof Restoration
A little attention goes a long way when it comes to roof maintenance. When a professional inspection is arranged, knowing what you have already noticed also makes it easier to point out areas that need closer attention.
At Nev’s Roof Restoration, we provide roof repairs, roof cleaning, rebedding and repointing. In addition, homeowners across Brisbane and the Gold Coast can turn to us for complete roof restoration. So if your roof is dropping hints that something is wrong, do not wait for the next storm to spell it out.