A well-maintained roof protects the interior of a building from the elements. It can save owners money by preventing water damage, structural issues, and mold growth.
Roof maintenance includes inspections and cleanings to address small problems before they become big ones. For instance, a leaky roof can allow heat to escape during the winter, raising energy bills.
It’s not uncommon for debris to collect on a roof. Whether it’s from a recent storm or your home sits underneath a large tree canopy where spent leaves are constantly falling, debris like pine needles, sticks, and leaves can easily pile up on a roof. Leaving organic material on your roof can damage it, so it’s important to remove it periodically.
The type of tool you use to remove roof debris depends on the size and weight of the build-up. For light debris, a broom or leaf blower may work well. But for larger items, a hand-held blower is a much more effective option. It allows you to reach the entire surface of your roof and move the debris into the gutters, without damaging your shingles or other roofing materials.
A good rule of thumb to follow is that if the item you are trying to lift can’t be lifted with one hand, it’s too heavy and needs to be removed by professionals. Also, be sure to avoid using a hose on the roof. This can cause water to seep through the outer layer and damage your attic or roof substrate.
Since removing roof debris requires someone to go on top of the roof, it’s best to do it on a dry day. It’s also a good idea to avoid windy conditions, as the gusts can compromise your balance and lead to injury. After the debris is removed, a thorough clean-up of the gutters should be done as well.
Prevent Animal Intruders
Animals can wreak havoc on the roof and inside the house, causing expensive damage and health risks. They can chew holes into shingles and the attic ceiling, destroy insulation and ductwork, leave droppings everywhere, and create unsanitary messes. In addition, they can carry fleas, ticks, and diseases that can be harmful to people and pets. The best way to deal with animals in the attic is to prevent them from entering in the first place.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so it’s essential to inspect the property regularly for signs of wildlife intrusion. Pay special attention to the soffit area, as squirrels often enter through the vents and chimney openings on a roof. Look for missing shingles, holes in the soffit, and damaged siding. Also, be on the lookout for scurrying noises at night or in the attic, as well as grease stains and odors.
Other common entry points include raccoons, who can climb over shingles and under siding to gain access. An open garage door provides a tempting entrance, as do downspouts and other overhanging structures. A raccoon can fit through an opening the size of a deck of cards, so make sure to close up any gaps. Look for mud or guano on the sides of your home, as this is often an indicator that raccoons have been there.
Rats are another common invader, and they can chew through anything to get into the attic and living space. If a rat can fit, it will, so inspect the walls, attic, and basement for chewed wires or shingles and other evidence of a rodent infestation.
Keep in mind that a professional in the animal control industry can help with animal removal, as well as deterrents and other methods of keeping animals away. It’s much easier and less costly to prevent animals from getting on your roof in the first place than it is to repair the damage they cause. So remember that semiannual roof maintenance should include examining the exterior for entry points, preventing squirrels from gnawing holes in the soffit and fascia boards, sealing openings with steel, and eliminating food sources on your property.
Inspect the Flashing
Flashing is the strip of metal or other material that connects your roof at various points, including where it meets a wall or dormer, around chimneys and skylights, and around vents. It is what keeps water from infiltrating your house, but it can deteriorate over time. Performing routine inspections of your roof can identify problems with the flashing before they become a major issue, especially when water leaks are the result.
Look for signs of rust, cracks or separation from the roofing material when inspecting your roof’s flashing. You should also check for a caulking seal that is intact and still effective, especially in areas where flashing meets other materials. It is also a good idea to check for small holes in the flashing caused by wildlife or corrosion (and often resulting from poor installation). These should be repaired immediately as they can easily turn into leaks that can ruin your ceiling, drywall and insulation.
If your roof has openings for chimneys, skylights and other fixtures, be sure to inspect these areas regularly. These are where moisture tends to enter the home, and if not properly sealed, can cause major issues. Often, leaks in these areas are the result of poor flashing installation, and can be prevented by having professional roofers perform a thorough roof inspection.
Lastly, the flashing around vents and roof-mounted equipment should be inspected. These are where the roof meets the structure of your house, and are often where the leaks occur. Ensure that all caulking is in place and effective, and that the cables and straps are tightly secured with little to no slack.
Depending on the material, flashing can last up to 20 or even 70 years before it requires replacement. However, it can deteriorate faster than your roof shingles due to exposure to salt and acid rains, or from simply aging. The lifespan of the flashing depends on its material, and you should have it inspected at least once every other year or as often as twice a year. It should also be inspected after any severe weather events to ensure that it is not damaged.
Trim Tree Branches
Trees in the yard can provide many benefits to homeowners, but they’re also a potential hazard. Branches that hang over or touch the roof should be trimmed to prevent damage and to keep people safe. Branches scraping against the roof on windy days can strip off layers of asphalt and cause shingle damage, while those that fall directly into the gutter can lead to clogs and moisture problems in the home.
A homeowner should never try to trim these limbs on their own. A misplaced cut could cause the limb to break and fall on the roof, causing major damage that is expensive to repair. In addition, a person who is trying to trim the limbs on their own is more likely to fall off of a ladder or off the roof, and may even hurt themselves in the process.
Overgrown tree limbs can also rub against the roof and the exterior walls of the house, creating scratches, leaving marks on paint, or even breaking windows. This can be very costly, especially if the damage is ignored over time. The limbs also create easy entry points for pests to get into the home. Rodents, termites, beetles, and wasps can chew through the branches and wood surrounding the house to make their way inside, where they can cause severe water damage.
Keeping up with routine maintenance is one of the best ways to protect your home and enhance its value. The trees on your property should be inspected on a regular basis for encroaching limbs that need to be trimmed. A professional arborist is the best choice to handle this task because they are trained in the proper techniques that avoid damaging your roof. In the event that a branch falls on your home, an insured arborist can cover your costs to repair the damage. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and a quote for your residential or commercial landscaping. Our competitive rates and dedication to quality work are what set us apart from other Bay Area tree service providers. We look forward to serving you!