The Do’s and Don’ts of Roofing Maintenance

The roof of your house is one of the biggest investments in your home. Due to the cost of replacing your roof, it is natural for homeowners to hope that their roof will last forever. Unfortunately, the roof will require a complete replacement at some point in time. However, using the best maintenance practices, your roof can enjoy an extended lifespan.

Let’s take a look at what you need to do and what you should not do with regard to maintaining your roof:

The Do’s

1. Perform an Annual Roof Inspection

Getting regular roof inspections is important. In addition, it can be helpful if you request a roof inspection after a storm or strong wind conditions and are unsure if the roof may have sustained damages. In this instance, call a professional roofing contractor to conduct a thorough roof inspection. If there are any damages, the roofing contractor will recommend the next steps in order to ensure the continued integrity of your roof.

2. Maintain Proper Attic Ventilation

Proper attic ventilation is essential to your roof’s longevity. Inadequate attic ventilation will cause moisture build-up, which will ultimately damage the roof’s structural components, and may lead to mold or mildew. It is recommended that you have a professional inspect your attic at least once a year. If there are areas with inadequate ventilation, the roofing contractor can offer attic ventilation solutions.

3. Timely Roof Repairs

Timely roof repair can help to avoid a costly roof replacement. For instance, if the roof inspection report indicates there are missing shingles, organize for replacement of the missing shingles immediately. If you delay, you could end up with a leaky roof, or worse, even end up replacing the entire thing!

Crushed roof shingles should be replaced the same day or soon after. Crushed shingles can result in leaks, and if left unattended for long, some of these crushed shingles may even fall off completely! Keep an eye out for any signs that your roof is being damaged by heavy weather conditions or adjacent tree branches.

4. Ensure Roof Repairs are Handled Professionally

Even minor roof repairs should be handled by a certified expert. Unfortunately, homeowners will often opt to perform a DIY roof repair, oblivious of the associated risks. A professional roofing contractor inspects the roof, examines the root cause of the problem, and provides a lasting solution. On the other hand, an unskilled handyman provides only a temporary solution and could end up damaging the roof further. Hiring an experienced roofing professional is the most sensible solution to your roofing problems.

5. Check the Gutters on a Regular Basis

The gutters play a crucial role when it comes to protecting your home and preventing soil erosion around your yard. In addition, the gutters prevent staining of the exterior walls. However, foliage and other debris can cause clogging of the gutters resulting in water spilling out onto the exterior walls. Therefore, routine inspection and regular cleaning of the gutters should be an item in your roof maintenance plan. Focus on keeping the gutters and the downspouts clear. In addition, sagging and drooping gutters should be fixed promptly. Broken or cracked gutters should be replaced.

6. Take Time to Research Roofing Contractors

When it comes to roof maintenance, engaging with an experienced professional should be a top priority. However, this does not mean that you go out to hire any Tom, Dick, or Harry who claims to be a professional roofing contractor in Northern Idaho. Research the company to find out if they hire experienced professionals, and that they are a reputable company.

It is important to research a reliable roofing contractor before you hire one because there are many shady contractors out there who will take your money in exchange for shoddy work if they are given the chance.

Beware of “repair” scams:

There are several roofing scams that homeowners need to watch out for. In most cases, these are advertised by door-to-door salesmen or over the phone. Roofers executing this scam will only make a cursory inspection on the outside and then proceed to collect payment or a deposit without actually completing the work.

7. Keep the Roof Clean and Free from Debris

Foliage and other debris will fall on the roof. If you do not ensure the removal of this debris, chances are that you will be dealing with a leaky roof before long. Clearing the roof of any type of debris and leaves keeps the gutters clean, and improves curb appeal. In addition, clearing the roof of debris maintains its integrity, allowing it to last longer. 

The Don’ts

1. Don’t Walk on the Roof

Whenever there are some repair tasks to be done, a professional roofing contractor will use specialty equipment to navigate the roof. This equipment is important when it comes to ensuring safety and preventing damage to the roof. Therefore, avoid walking on your roof unless you are a trained and properly equipped roofing contractor.

Hiring a professional is the easiest way to obtain the proper equipment and training for navigating your roof. If you are planning on climbing onto your own roof, be sure to wear all of the necessary safety equipment. This may include hard hats, work boots, safety harnesses, and gloves. It also helps to have an experienced person with you so that they can provide some assistance and guidance on how to do it safely.

If you decide you absolutely must climb on your roof for an inspection, here are some tips:

  • Always wear non-slip shoes with good traction.
  • When walking, keep three points of contact with the roof so that you don’t lose your balance and fall off the edge of the ridge.
  • Keep a rope tied around your waist and use it for stability.

If you encounter anything that looks like damage, call a professional roofing contractor immediately before making any major repairs on your own.  

2. Don’t Postpone Roof Repairs

Whenever you notice a potential roof problem, contact a local roofing contractor immediately. Putting off roof maintenance is a major risk, as you never know when natural disasters may strike. Your aim should be to maintain the structural integrity of your roof at all times.

Many people mistakenly believe that the only time to contact a roofer is when they are already experiencing major problems. They’ve got it all wrong! Be sure to contact a professional roofing contractor when you notice even the slightest sign of damage!

3. Don’t Move Heavy Equipment Across the Roof

When carrying out a roof repair or regular maintenance, never place heavy equipment on the roof. The roofing material may not be strong enough to withstand the heavy weight. Note that whenever heavy equipment needs to be used on the roof, there are special tools and techniques needed to lift the equipment in order to prevent damage.

4. Don’t Try DIY Roofing

It’s never a good idea to attempt roof repair or maintenance on your own without the proper knowledge and equipment. If you try to do it yourself, it is almost guaranteed that there will be some kind of damage done. This could lead to major problems down the line, including the development of a leak.

There are many home repairs and maintenance activities that people try to do themselves simply because it is cheaper than hiring a professional for the job. And in many cases this is just fine, because the stakes are low, but in the case of roofing repair DIY jobs are a huge risk.

If your roofing repairs are done by you, and not a certified and licensed roofing contractor, its possible that your homeowners insurance may not cover any claims in the event of damages.

While it is true that It would probably cost you less to buy some supplies from the local hardware store than to pay a licensed roofing contractor, when you consider possible damages, you might just end up paying more in the long run.

5. Don’t Power Wash Roof Tiles

Warning! Power washing can be very damaging to your roof. Roof tiles are often made up of a variety of intricately fitted pieces that can be removed by the force of water. This may lead to roof leaks and potential structural damage. A professional roofing contractor should always be contacted when one is considering power washing a roof.

When it comes to roof repair and maintenance, the best advice that homeowners can follow is to engage with a professional contractor. Professional roofing contractors come with specialized equipment required for roof maintenance. In addition, only experts have the skills to ensure high-quality work. Before hiring a contractor to repair or replace the roof on your house, ensure thorough background research to ascertain their credibility.

Inland NW Roofing and Repair is available 24 hours a day to help homeowners with all their roofing needs. Whether you have a leak, storm damage or any other kind of construction project, we can help. Call Inland NW Roofing and Repair today at 208-295-9048 to schedule your free roofing consultation!