5 Roof Maintenance Tips You Should Know
Keeping your residential or commercial roof well-maintained is essential for its longevity. Properly maintaining your roof helps prevent water damage, foundation issues, and other problems. It is also the first line of defense in protecting its occupants during inclement weather. Typically, a roof replacement costs around $10,000 depending on your roof’s size, pitch, material, and other factors, so keeping this critical structural element working correctly for as long as possible is essential. With simple roof maintenance tips, you, too, can impact your roof’s lifespan.
At Matute Roofing, your trusted source for residential and commercial roof repairs, replacement, and maintenance in the Wayne, NJ, area, we want to provide our past and potential customers with the information to keep their roofs looking great. Whether your roof requires a replacement, repair, or just maintenance, we are available to help keep your roof healthy. Our trusted staff will address any of your issues, offer maintenance advice and provide you with the information you need as a homeowner to make the most informed decision about any current or possible roofing issue.
Roof Maintenance Tips for Asphalt Shingle Roofs
- Frequently Inspect Your Shingles
- Clean and Remove Debris
- Check Around Chimneys, Vents, or Pipes
- Ventilate Your Roof Properly
- Keep Roof Clear of Branches
Frequently Inspect Your Shingles
Visible shingle tabs cupping, edge lifting, curling, or even missing shingles are usually visible to the naked eye. By taking a quick peek at your roof yearly, you may notice an issue that can be resolved before it balloons into something more significant.
Homeowners also want to consider professional or DIY roof inspection after significant weather incidents. If you can access a drone, you can inspect all aspects of your roof. A tall ladder is also helpful. A naked eye check around the perimeter is acceptable if neither is available. If you notice any issues, a professional roof inspection may be necessary. No matter your roof’s age, it is time for a repair or replacement when you see curled edges or missing shingles. The roof’s integrity will be compromised and leak if you do not address this roof maintenance tip immediately.
Clean and Remove Debris
Another roof maintenance tip is to remove debris, such as leaves, twigs, and branches, from the roof. While this may not seem like a big deal, it can cause damage when left on the surface of your shingle roofing. For example, leaves left on the roof for an extended period will cause moisture to build up, leading to mold and mildew growth. This growth will cause significant damage over time.
Homeowners should never allow the use of a power washer to clean their roofs. Hire a professional to come in and tidy it with “soft washing” equipment. Not only will they remove problematic moss, algae, and mildew, but they will also leave your roof looking new.
Check Around Chimneys, Vents, or Pipes
This roof maintenance tip has nothing to do with your shingles. Homeowners need to periodically check their chimneys for any cracks or missing bits of mortar. If present, bricks can deteriorate and fall out, causing your roof to lose structural integrity.
Homeowners should also look for issues around areas where things protrude from their roofs, including vents or pipes. To help eliminate issues, roofers install flashing to create a water-tight seal around the chimney or other vents during a roof installation. Usually made from aluminum or steel, it should last approximately 30 years. Unfortunately, there is an unexpected issue if you notice rust or cracks on the flashing. Water can seep into your home without immediate remedy and cause intrusion damage.
Ventilate Your Roof Properly
Ice dams are more likely to form during winter if your attic lacks adequate ventilation. Insufficient ventilation can also cause heat damage and mold, making your attic excessively warm during summer. This results in higher air conditioning and energy bills.
Nothing in a home is perfect, so warm, humid air leaks can often leak into the attic through interior seams and vents. Condensation can form on the roof framing, sheathing, and even the insulation paper. This condensation causes rot and may result in severe structural damage to your home. The water could cause ceiling and drywall damage as well.
Keep Roof Clear of Branches – Trim Your Trees
When tree limbs are consistently pruned and kept back from the roof, more sunlight shines on a home’s roof. Sunlight prevents the formation of moss and algae. Excessive tree limbs can also wreak havoc on your shingles. This roof maintenance tip helps prevent branch damage, especially on nights with high winds or other extreme weather conditions.
Branches that also overhang onto the roof provide rodents and other critters a freeway to your attic or roofing materials. They can gnaw and damage shingles, flashing, or even siding. It is advised to keep tree branches at least 10 feet away from your roof to prevent unwanted animals from finding their way onto your roof.
Roof maintenance tips are essential to homeowners with new or aging roofs. Any way to extend the lifespan of your roof keeps money in your pocket and your home safe. If you need roofing services, Matute Roofing can get you set up with our team of roofing contractors.
Why Trust Us?
In the New Jersey area, no one is better than Matute Roofing. Whether you are repairing, replacing, or simply looking for roof maintenance, we will ensure you are satisfied with our performance and services from start to finish. Matute Roofing is a family-owned & operated roofing contractor with over 20 years of experience in the roofing industry. Our experienced crew is here to help with any problems or questions! We guarantee the job gets done right the first time by making your roof our priority. Our long list of satisfied clients proves we work on your property carefully and precisely.
Resolve Roofing Issues With Matute Roofing
If you need inspections, repairs, or other roofing services, please call us at 973-618-6489. You can also fill out our contact form or check us on social media — Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. We will be happy to contact you to answer any questions.