Roof Maintenance Tips

Your roof is a crucial structural component of your home that is used way more heavily than you may realize. Roofs serve as insulation for our homes and provide us with shelter from natural elements. As such, paying close attention to the maintenance of your roof is incredibly important.

Tree branches, weather, and moisture damage can all lead to costly issues with your roof, so it is a better idea to prevent such problems even before they occur. 

Follow these roof maintenance tips to keep your roof in excellent condition, – but, of course, if you do require roof repair or replacement, do not hesitate to contact Royal Roofing Inc.

Maintaining Your Roof

Roofs are created to last. Depending on the style of the roof that you have, you may need to replace it 20 to 30 years after the installation date. However, in order to extend your roof’s lifespan to the maximum, you will need to conduct regular roof inspection and maintenance, not to mention that finding a problem before it becomes a big deal could save you tons of dollars spent on fixing potential damage.

Ideally, you should aim to perform routine maintenance and inspection on your roof two times a year. Here are some roof maintenance tips to keep in mind:

  • Replace damaged shingles
  • Inspect for rust
  • Inspect your flashing
  • Clean your roof
  • Trim tall trees
  • Inspect after a storm

Replace Damaged Shingles

Damaged or broken shingles could lead to rain and snow leaking inside of your home. That is why it is crucial to get any damaged shingles repaired or replaced as soon as they start showing signs of tear, wear, or damage. It is important to get roof repairs, such as shingle replacement,  done as soon as possible. 

On average, the cost to repair a roof is $654, with most homeowners paying between $376 and $695.

Inspect for Rust

Depending on the type of roofing of your home, your roof may be at risk of rusting. Of course, metal roofs are the most susceptible to rust, but, with proper cleanup and care, rust can be removed.

First, any rusted screws will need to be replaced. Then, the rust will need to be scrubbed off with a wire brush. Hiring a roofing contractor like Royal Roofing Inc. to take care of your rusting roof will surely help you prevent a bigger problem down the road.

Inspect Your Flashing

Your roof is responsible for keeping your house comfortable and dry, and your family feeling safe and protected. Roof flashing helps to seal off bends and cracks in the roof, making sure that water can’t get inside. Most commonly, you can find this with chimney flashing.

When you are inspecting the roof, make sure that you don’t forget to check the flashing. Look for any rusting metals or new gaps that have formed over time. If you notice any imperfections or cracks in your flashing, give us a call as soon as possible to avoid any potential leaks.

Clean Your Roof

Like any other space in your home, your roof area needs some cleaning as well. Algae, moss, and debris can impact the appearance and the quality of your roof. Neglecting roof cleaning can even lead to rot over time.

For safety reasons, it is recommended to avoid DIY roof cleaning and trust the professional with the task. The average roof cleaning cost is $400, with most customers paying between $400 and $1000.

Trim Tall Trees

Once you get down from your roof, take a look around your home and take a note of any tall trees. Older trees with large branches pose a risk in case of a large storm or a windy day. To be on the safer side, you’ll want to trim away any large branches in close proximity to your roof. In case an accident occurs, it can not only damage your roof but the overall structure of your house as well.

The average cost to trim shrubs and trees is $638, with most homeowners spending between $422 and $707.

Inspect After a Storm

Heavy wind, hail, and even large volumes of rain can damage the integrity of your roof. If you have recently experienced a significant storm in your area, you should inspect the roof immediately to see whether any damage was done to the roof.

From the ground up, check whether your windowsills or gutters are bent or out of shape. This could indicate that your roof is likely to experience some damage as well and needs further inspection.

As you take a closer look at roof shingles, especially asphalt ones, you may notice individual damage on the shingle. The good news is that most home insurance companies cover storm damage. Take photos and contact your insurance company to discuss your options.

When to Contact a Roofer

While many projects around the home can be completed in a DIY fashion, roofing repairs should be left to professionals. During your semi-annual roofing inspection and maintenance, if you discover any roof damage or rust, contact a professional roofing company like Royal Roofing Inc.

Bubbles in the wall and interior leaks could also signal that you may have a roofing problem. In this case, contact a roofing contractor to help you identify the source of the problem and find a solution.

Conclusion

While you don’t need to conduct roof maintenance and inspection as often as some other home tasks, it is something that can help you extend the quality and longevity of your roof. If, during your inspection, you discover any areas of damage, don’t wait. Get it fixed as soon as possible to prevent any further issues.

Contact Royal Roofing Inc. today for more information about our roofing services.