Ultimate Guide: Homeowners Handbook to Roof Maintenance
Roof maintenance for homeowners is a lot quicker and easier than you might think. Here is (almost) everything you need to know and do to keep your roof intact and looking great.
1. Visually Inspect
About twice a year (spring and fall are best), look up and inspect your roof from the ground. Look for the following:
- Loose or missing shingles
- Missing or exposed fasteners
- Buckling, loose or missing flashing
- Sagging gutters
- Piles of shingle granules
2. Have Your Gutters Cleaned
When you have your roof inspected, also have them inspect your gutters for damage. You should also clean out your gutters a couple of times a year. If you know there’s a big storm on the way in, you definitely want to have those gutters cleaned out. If leaves or debris builds up, it can cause water to back up which can lead to rotting in your roof’s fascia and eaves.
3. Keep Any Trees Trimmed
If you have trees in your yard, have them trimmed and keep any dangerous branches at bay. One big South Carolina windstorm can send a branch right through your roof.
4. Watch for Moss or Algae
Keep overhanging branches trimmed back from your roof to avoid moss and algae buildup. You also want to make sure the attic is properly ventilated and keep debris off of your roof.
5. Re-Caulk If Needed
Your roof’s flashings won’t always hold their seal if a low-grade caulking was used during insulation. Give us a call if you think your roof may need to be re-caulked.
6. Check Your Insulation
Properly insulating and ventilating your attic is the key to keeping your roof in good shape, by reducing moisture.
That’s all there is to basic roof maintenance for homeowners with a standard shingled roof. Contact us at 803-244-9428 for any of the steps that you need assistance with! Our team has decades of experience and will take the time to educate you on routine maintenance to extend the roof’s lifespan.
