Your roofing system is a major investment that provides years of protection from the elements. A good roof will keep your living environment comfortable, but just like many components of a functioning house, it requires regular maintenance to perform at its best.
Roof Maintenance Activities
We’ve created a list of activities that will help keep your asphalt shingle roof in good shape throughout its lifespan. These items don’t take much time to perform but they will help you to save yourself from costly repairs.
Keep in mind that safety needs to be your top priority when doing roof work. In fact, it’s best to hire roofing contractors to do these activities and keep yourself safe. Hiring a contractor in Boise, ID who is familiar with roof hazards can prevent unwanted accidents from happening to you or a beloved family member. If you don’t want to hire a contractor, ensure that you’re using a steady ladder and have a spotter nearby for added stability.
Seasonal Roof Care Activities
1. Clean the gutters
Your gutter system is designed to collect water runoff from rainstorms and direct it away from the house. When gutters become clogged with leaves and debris, water can back up underneath your shingles causing damage to the shingles and possible leaks inside your house.
Keep your gutters clean and free-flowing by cleaning them out every fall. While you’re cleaning them, make sure that they are securely attached to your roof. If not, call the professionals at Intermountain Roofing and we’ll come and assess the damage and give you a free bid for repair or replacement costs.
2. Watch Out for Tree Problems
Asphalt shingle roofs are covered in tiny granules that help to prevent UV degradation while adding a three-dimensional color element to the surface. Ensuring that these granules stay in good condition is paramount to having a functioning roof. Any trees that could rub on the granules during a storm should be cut back to prevent contact with the roof.
If you need help with trimming your trees, its best to hire a professional who can trim them properly and keep you and your family members safe. Another issue that trees present is the organic debris that they can leave on your roof. You want to ensure to keep leaves, maple leaf helicopters, cotton, and other tree debris cleared off of your roof and out of your gutters so that your roofing system can work most efficiently.
3. Ensure House Stability
Your roofing system may have been perfect when it was brand new, but even the best designs break down over time. After a major rainstorm or extended period wet weather, it’s a good idea to check the exterior of your home and ensure that all nearby wall cladding and windows are watertight. You should also inspect your flashing—the metal bracketing on your roof. Ensure that it isn’t rusted, dented, or missing any fasteners.
Another area that needs to be regularly inspected are the rubber seals on the vent pipes, called soil stacks. Over time, the rubber or sealant can break down and fall apart. If you notice this, it is a good idea to call a contractor out for a quick replacement.
Regular Roof Maintenance
A properly installed asphalt shingle roof is a beautiful, reliable system that should last for years. You can help protect your investment with regular maintenance; however, eventually, you may notice small warning signs that its time is coming to an end.
Have a contractor inspect your aging roof to see if it’s in need of a repair or replacement. By taking the initiative early on, you can avoid larger problems down the road. Contact the best roofing contractors in Boise, ID today at (208) 713-5871.