Summer months bring with them scorching sun, heavy rain, hail, and turbulent winds. Staying on top of your roof maintenance ensures that your house stays in the best living conditions even in adverse weather and your family is safe. Read on to learn the 5 roof maintenance tips for this summer.
Inspect the Shingles:
The condition of the roof shingles is critical for the overall health of the roof. So, the first thing you should do is check for any sign of damage in the shingles. Cracked, dented, chipped, curled or broken shingles should be replaced immediately. While inspecting shingles might seem like a simple task, a wrong move there can be disastrous for the roof and can lead to further damage and lead. You should not experiment with DIY here and hire experts who deal with roofing installation and services.
Keep the Gutters Clean:
Gutters keep the water from accumulating on the roof. So, it is important to ensure that they are not clogged. Leaves, twigs, dirt, etc., if let to flow into the gutter can hinder the water outflow and lead to major problems when it rains. Clogged gutters also invite animals like mice and squirrels who make such sites their homes. Keep the gutters clean and also ensure that they are not loose, rusted, or damaged. Get them repaired or replaced in case of sign of any damage.
Keep Your Roof Clean:
This is one of the primary steps for roof maintenance and can go a long way in keeping the roof in the best condition. Twigs, leaves, branches, and any other debris that accumulates on the roof, if left unchecked, can be a breeding ground for algae, moss, and mold. It can also lead to the decay of shingles and cause seepage issues. Keeping the roof clean also aids in reflecting scorching sun rays in summer and helps in keeping your house cool. Homeowners can clean the roof of any loose debris themselves, as long as it can be done safely. But remember never to power wash the roof as it can do more damage than good.
Trim the Branches:
While trees add to the beauty of your house and its surroundings, it is important to trim any branches that hang over the roof to prevent any damage during a storm. Low hanging branches over the roof can also cause damage to the shingles over time. Also, the twigs and fallen leaves from the tree can accumulate on the roof and eventually clog the downspouts and gutters. Ideally, the branches should be at least 8 feet away from the roof.
Check Sealants:
Any fixtures on the roof like vents, skylights, pipes, electricity access points, chimney, etc., need to be inspected thoroughly. Check the sealants around them and ensure that there is no leakage or damage. Any open space or gaps in the edges of the roof need to be sealed properly so that they do not become the nesting sites for pests like rats and squirrels. They can cause major damage to the roof if not checked.
Need help with roofing services in the Comox Valley or want to call in the experts for roof installation on Vancouver Island, get in touch with the roof experts at Aces Roofing. Call to book an appointment today.