In our last blog we discussed roof maintenance tips to make sure your home is ready for the winter season. In this blog, we will focus on how you can maintain your roof throughout the year. Most of the suggestions do overlap, but this is something that is very important to start thinking about starting, if you haven’t already done so, with spring just around the corner.

We understand the demands of family, work and other things you have to take care of around the house. Fortunately, despite your busy schedule, you ideally would only have to inspect your roof twice a year.

According to the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), be sure to check your roof in the spring and again in the fall ahead of the winter season. However, if you rather have a professional roofer come and take care of the yearly maintenance on your roof, that is a good option too.

Below we have listed important ways to help prevent costly repairs later on due to leaking or frost, among other issues.

1. Trim Tree Branches – Having trees around your home can certainly add beauty to your property’s overall landscape. However, it’s important to not overlook branches leaning over your roof. These branches can scratch and damage your roof materials. If you want to avoid branches from potentially puncturing your shingles, trim back and remove any branches that you see hovering over your roof or getting close to it.

2. Remove Leaves and other Debris – Aside from branches, leaves and other debris can clog up your gutter system, which could then cause water to enter into the attic, behind the fascia boards and other areas. Ultimately, to make sure your drainage system is flowing properly, we recommend that you or a professional roofer clear your roof at least twice a year. Be sure to also keep an eye on gutters that are sagging or damaged drain components to repair or replace if necessary.

3. Check for Shingle Damage – While you’re up there, be sure to check for any damage to your shingles. The reality is that everyday wear and tear from natural elements can cause shingles to come off or barely hang on. This is not a good situation because it can make a roof structure and a home’s interior susceptible to water leaking and roof rot. That is why we cannot emphasize enough how important it is for you to inspect roof coverings each year. Of course, when you look into your shingles, you’ll also want to go into your attic to make sure there are no water stains upon discovering missing or torn shingles.

4. Inspect your Insulation – In order to ensure proper ventilation and good airflow, you have to make sure you’ve got the right insulation. As a matter of fact, protecting your house from heat gain or loss may mean having to install a gap-free layer of insulation on the attic floor as well as a vapor retarder under the insulation next to the ceiling in order to prevent moisture from going into the attic. By having open, vented spaces that allow air to pass freely with about one inch between the insulation and roof sheathing is also a good idea. Of course, you don’t have to DIY this if you’d prefer not to. Our professional roofing experts can take care of this for you.

5. Take care of Streaking – Does the color of your roof look right? The reason we ask is because roof areas that are under shade over long periods of time in humidity will become streaked with mold, algae or fungus. If left unresolved, it will deteriorate the roofing material. That means a shorter life span for the roof, which could then lead to leaks and other problems that will surely be costly. Nobody wants any of that.

If you prefer to leave any roof maintenance and inspections to roofing experts, we can take that off your hands. At R L Hayes Roofing & Repairs, our licensed roofers are experienced in working on roofs in all conditions and throughout the year. To make sure your roof is in tip top shape all year long, contact us to take a look at your roof.

R L Hayes Roofing & Repairs
3540 Wheeler Rd Ste 103
Augusta, GA 30909
(706) 869-1193
https://rlhayes.com/