Roofing maintenance is an essential part of maintaining your roof’s overall integrity. It includes clearing debris from the roof surface, removing mold and lichen growth, repairing any cracks or leaks and maintaining proper sealant around penetrations like vent pipes and chimneys.
It also involves checking that the flashing around the chimney, vent pipes and skylights is in good condition. This is where the majority of roof leaks originate.
Gutters serve a vital function by collecting rainwater and diverting it through downspouts away from a home’s foundation. Without gutters, water could seep under the roof structure, causing rot and other problems that can be costly to repair. It’s important to regularly clean a home’s gutters. Gutters that are clogged with leaves and other debris can prevent water from draining properly, leading to damage to the roof and exterior siding. In addition, ice dams can form when melting snow and ice block the flow of water from a rooftop. Cleaning the gutters can prevent both of these issues.
Gutter cleaning can be a messy job, but it’s an important one. Ideally, homeowners should perform this task twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. During these times of the year, leaves and other debris tend to be more prevalent.
Cleaning a roof’s gutters requires the use of a ladder, which can present a safety risk. It’s important to find a safe spot to position the ladder and have a spotter on hand to help stabilize it. It’s also essential to wear sturdy work gloves and eye protection. The last thing you want is to slip and fall off the ladder and land on your head or back.
If you’re unable to safely clean your gutters from the ground, it’s recommended that you consider hiring a professional. These professionals have the tools and experience necessary to safely complete this task. They can also assist with other roofing maintenance tasks, including the inspection and replacement of shingles.
If you choose to hire a professional for your roof maintenance, make sure they are licensed and insured. They should also provide you with a roster of the crew members who will be performing the service. This will allow you to verify that the workers have passed a background check. In addition, the roster should include their qualifications and an estimate for the cost of the services. This will help you avoid any surprises once the job is completed.
Inspect the Flashing
Roof flashing is the metal strips that help water run off and away from areas of the roof that are especially prone to leaks. This includes the valleys, chimneys, skylights, and the places where walls meet the roof (dormers and vents).
Flashing is a vital part of a home’s defense system against water damage. However, it’s easy for moisture to get past this essential protection.
Leaky roofs can result from a variety of issues, but one of the most common is faulty flashing. This is usually caused by shoddy construction or by powerful storms. In addition, the flashing can wear down or even rust over time.
During a routine roof inspection, home inspectors look for signs of faulty flashing. They also check for missing or loose flashing pieces. These are usually a sign that the flashing is wearing out and needs to be replaced.
Flashing can be made from a variety of materials, including aluminum and galvanized metal. It is often nailed or screwed to the roof sheathing with caulk or roofing cement. The inspector may also check for nails or screws that have popped up through the sheathing, which can cause problems when they are not repaired. In addition, the inspector will look at the condition of the flashing itself, checking for rust or corrosion.
When checking the flashing, it is important to use a ladder that is tall enough to reach the roof. If the slope of the roof is too steep for safe climbing, it is recommended to hire a professional roofing company. It is also helpful to bring a flashlight and mirror, as well as a ladder extension and a caulking gun to make repairs as needed. In addition to examining the flashing, the home inspector will examine the ceilings and walls for signs of water damage. They will also check for damp or moldy areas in the attic, which could be the result of compromised flashing. Finally, the inspector will also look for areas where the chimney and wall cladding meet the roof.
Trim Tree Branches
One of the most important roof maintenance tasks involves trimming tree branches so they don’t overhang your house or garage. This prevents abrasion of the roof shingles by branches or leaves, and it also keeps squirrels and other rodents from gnawing on the roof. Overhanging branches are also a safety hazard, since they can fall onto the roof during stormy weather or just blow in the wind. This is a job for a professional, but you can help reduce the chances of a problem by pruning tree limbs as they grow.
When pruning a large branch, make two cuts to avoid tearing the bark. First cut on the underside of the branch, about a few inches away from the branch collar (the slightly swollen area at the base of each branch). Then, cut into the branch itself a couple more inches up from that point. This makes a clean break and prevents the branch from simply falling over. Next, cut a few more inches up from that point, straight through the remaining stub of the branch. This removes the stub and prevents the branch from becoming a tripping hazard.
Thinning branches are a good way to improve air circulation in a tree canopy and enhance light penetration through interior foliage and into the ground below. However, it’s critical to use proper technique when thinning a tree, because hard pruning encourages a lot of vigorous upright growth known as watershoots, which are weak and can damage the branch structure.
When thinning a tree, prune only the ends of lateral branches that are 1 to 4 inches in diameter. For larger trees, thin the crown by removing no more than 20 percent of the total canopy in any one year. The best time to perform a major pruning is in the late winter or early spring, before growth starts again.
Inspect the Attic
An attic inspection allows the inspector to assess the condition of insulation, ventilation and the roof structure. In addition, it can reveal issues that are not easily visible from ground level, such as moisture intrusion. It can also provide clues to the history of the home’s roof and its maintenance.
A professional attic inspection is a vital part of a thorough home inspection. The inspection can help you identify potential problems and address them before they become more extensive, such as mold growth and rotted framing.
When selecting an attic inspector, look for one with experience and a proven track record of addressing roof-related issues. Ask for references and compare quotes before making a decision. In addition, verify that the inspector carries appropriate insurance coverage for home inspections. This typically includes professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, as well as commercial general liability insurance.
Leaks occur most often at or around roof penetrations such as dryer vents, bathroom vents, attic fans and kitchen hood exhausts. They can also occur at the fascia boards, which are located on the eaves and support the gutters. Inspecting the attic during a rain shower can help you spot active leaks.
Insulation plays a crucial role in keeping a house energy efficient. It provides resistance to the flow of heat, thereby lowering heating and cooling costs. However, if the insulation is damaged or insufficient, it can reduce the effectiveness of your air conditioning.
It’s important to inspect the attic regularly for signs of pest infestation, including droppings and destruction to insulation. In addition, check the soffit for gaps or loose spots. Any gaps can let in insects and vermin, such as mice and squirrels.
If you are planning to sell your home, a regular attic inspection can help you determine the best time to do it. This way, you can address any potential problems before they become serious and affect your home’s value and resaleability. A thorough attic inspection can save you money on repair bills and help prevent costly structural damage to your home.