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Even if there are no apparent signs of damage, every homeowner should ensure a professional regularly inspects and performs maintenance, where necessary, to a roof. Keeping it in healthy condition may protect your home. Maintenance is an investment that may pay major returns down the road.
Completing the following four steps by a qualified roofer can help you maintain your roof and prolong the lifespan of your roof:
1. Housekeeping: An important part of roof maintenance is the routine cleaning, clearing and tidying of the roof and its related systems. Pay attention not only to shingles and flashing but other roof components, such as gutters, down spouts, skylights, vents, and chimneys. Homeowners should where possible regularly clear debris from the roof, including leaves, branches, and other items that may be cluttering the surface. Your roofer may use a leaf blower to do this, being sure to blow the air down the roof (so he’s not blowing debris up and underneath the shingles). To reduce the amount of debris that gathers, cut away vegetation that may be hanging over the roof. Dig out leaves and organic matter from the gutters, this will help ensure water can drain cleanly through the downspouts.
2. Roof Inspection: Once the roof has been cleared, the roofer should inspect if for any potential problems or red flags that could cause issues down the road. The inspection should be done twice a year (we recommend spring and fall). This will give him the opportunity to make note of anything suspicious, as well as complete small fixes or minor repairs before they turn into big issues.
3. Repair: A professional roofer should immediately complete asphalt shingle roof repairs to maintain the integrity of the roof’s materials and related systems. Small fixes done properly can help prevent larger problems, or more major repairs, over time. Depending on the age and condition of the roof, a repair may or may not be the best option. For more details read our article: “Should I repair or replace my roof?”
4. Record-keeping: A roofer should make a note of any potential problems he sees during a roof inspection (such as rust appearing on flashing, or a single popped nail). If it’s not a concern today, the roofer should check in on it during his next inspection and make note if it’s getting worse. These notes will help determine whether it’s time to make repairs or replacements if he notices consistent or major changes. The roofer should also make a log of any repairs he completes. This will help remind both the roofer and the homeowner down the road what sections or materials are newer than others. This will also help create a roof history for the homeowners, other roofing contractors they may hire down the road, or even for future homeowners who may want to see what work has been completed over the years to maintain the roof.
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