How to Keep Your Roof in Good Condition
Replace any missing shingles.
Leaks and water damage can occur when shingles are cracked, bent, or missing. This could appear as shingle debris in your yard, driveway, or downspout splash blocks.
You should be able to repair a missing shingle on your own if you know a little bit about home repair and feel comfortable walking on your roof. A cracked shingle can be repaired by squeezing a small amount of roof sealant into the opening.
If a section of the shingle is missing, you'll need to remove the nails with a hammer before pulling up the shingle with a pry bar. Then, using a utility knife, cut the shingle loose. Insert the new shingle and secure it with four fasteners. Keep in mind that each nail hole provides an opportunity for water to enter your home, so make sure each nail is both necessary and properly placed.
Does that sound too complicated? You can have the repair done by a roofing professional.
Gutter Cleaning.
Water can be damaging to many parts of your home, including the roof. A gutter system is one of the most effective ways to keep water off your roof and away from the foundation of your home.
Regular maintenance and upkeep are required to keep gutters in good working order. If your gutters are not cleaned properly, they will eventually clog, allowing water to flow over the top of them and onto your home. This can cause roof damage and even internal leaks.
A twice-yearly cleaning of gutters and downspouts is sufficient for most homes — once near the end of spring and again as fall approaches and the leaves fall. These are the most common times for clogs to occur and the best times to clean your home's gutters.
If you live in a heavily wooded area, you should check for debris more frequently. It is also advised that you prepare your gutter system ahead of any expected heavy rainfall or storms.
Gutter guards can also be installed. These mesh, foam, or vinyl protectors are typically installed on top of gutters to allow water to flow freely while keeping debris out.
Take Care of Roof Ponding.
If you notice pools of water on your roof after it rains, you should address the problem as soon as possible before it causes major roof damage. Ponding refers to the accumulation of water. It exposes your roof to rot, which can lead to a variety of problems, including leaks and water damage. Flat and low-sloped roofs are more susceptible to this issue than steeply pitched surfaces, but it can occur anywhere.
If you notice ponding on your roof, contact a roofing contractor as soon as possible.
Wind Damage Prevention.
Storms can bring more than just heavy rain; they can also bring strong winds. High winds have the potential to topple trees, shatter windows, and damage roofs. When shingles blow away, the roof deck or underlayment is exposed to the elements. As a result, your home is even more vulnerable to water damage.
After a strong wind storm, inspect your roof for the following damage:
Damage based on roof type:
All Shingle shingles that are missing, cracked, or curling
Composition Shingles: Gutter Granule Buildup
Wood Shakes or Shingles: Mold and rotting
Flat Roofs: Cracks, tears, or surface bubbles/wrinkles
Roof support or accent damage:
Flashing: Tears or buckling in the face
Roofing Cement: Loose or crumbling
Downspouts and Gutters: Rust, rot, or sections that are missing or dented
Chimneys: Loose or crumbling brick
If you observe any of the above damage, addressing it immediately can prevent the problem from escalating and also reduce the likelihood of future issues.
If you have a shingled roof, consider putting roofing cement underneath shingle tabs that are loose or tend to pop up. Starter shingles can also be installed along the eaves. These shingles are made to withstand high winds and provide additional protection for your roof during storms.
Preventing Snow and Ice Damage.
Snow and ice can be a major cause of roof damage for homeowners in cooler climates. Ice dams are a major source of concern. An ice dam is a buildup of ice on a roof that prevents melting snow from draining properly. This water accumulates, putting strain on the roof and possibly leaking into your home.
There are a few simple tricks for dealing with snow accumulations and preventing them:
Roofing rakes. These tools allow you to safely remove snow from your roof and place it on the ground.
Ventilation. Attic ventilation promotes proper air circulation from the soffit (shown above) to the roof peak, which aids in the prevention and relief of ice dams.
Insulation. This will help to keep rising heat from melting snow on the roof. If the snow melts while the weather remains cold, the melted snow will simply re-freeze, which is a major cause of ice dams in the first place.
Storm Preparation Landscaping
Trees provide numerous benefits to homeowners, including energy savings and increased curb appeal. They can, however, pose hazards during storms and should be properly maintained.
The main source of concern is tree branches that are hanging over your house. Branches are prone to snapping and falling during strong winds, heavy rain, or snow. A falling branch can cause not only roof damage but also life-threatening situations. Trimming the trees around your home before the storm season(s) in your area is a critical step in protecting your family and home.
Branches that hang over utility lines or pose a threat to windows should also be pruned. This is also an excellent time to address any dead trees that may be in danger of falling. Look for discolored leaves, cracks in the bark, branches with no growth, or branches that easily snap to identify a dead tree.
Defending Against Sun Damage.
Roofing materials are designed to withstand the effects of direct sunlight, but they wear and tear over time. You should inspect your roof on a regular basis for sun-related roof damage such as chipping, fading, warping, or other irregularities. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to detect these issues at times, so hiring a professional to inspect is a good idea.
Certain roof materials are more sun-resistant than others, so if you're thinking about repairing or replacing your roof and live in a sunny area, consult a professional to see what sun-resistant options are available.
Inspecting the Attic of Your Home.
When it comes to protecting your home from roof damage, you should inspect more than just the exterior—your attic is a great place to start to mitigate issues. Water damage from holes or cracks in your roof can spread to other areas of the roof and into your home.
To check for this type of roof damage, go into your attic on a bright day, turn off the light, and look for any areas where outside light is filtering into the space. Water and pests can enter if light is allowed in.
You can also look for stains and/or discoloration on rafters, plywood, or attic floor beams. Water leakage during rainstorms is also indicated by damage to insulation.
Insulation for the Roof.
Making sure your attic is properly insulated is not only a good way to save money on utility bills, but it can also help protect your roof. You may wonder how this is possible. Condensation from within your home can form in your attic, causing damage to roof beams, joists, and supports.
Insulation, whether new or old, can help reduce condensation and protect roof elements from rot and other damage.
Examine for Pests.
Every home's attic should be a warm and dry place, which is great for homeowners but also great for animals like mice, squirrels, and raccoons. Animals can cause damage to wiring, HVAC systems, pipes, and other systems, all of which can affect your home's roof. Not to mention that they can transmit fleas and diseases.
You may have an animal in your attic if you notice droppings, nests, signs of gnawing, squeaks and scurrying sounds, or unusual insulation damage.
Typically, only a professional should remove an animal from your attic, but there are steps you can take to prevent them from entering your home in the first place:
Monthly inspections provide an excellent opportunity to look for potential entry points that must be repaired.
Trim any branches near your home that raccoons or squirrels could use to climb and gain entry.
Check that any attic vents are properly covered.
Consider installing a chimney cap if your home has one.
Restore Roof Damage.
One of the last steps you can take to protect your roof is to perform any necessary repairs or maintenance as they arise. Ignoring damage can result in worsening problems and more expensive repairs.
