6 Helpful Hints for Maintaining Your Roof

by Kevin Smith Author

When was the last time you had a good look at your roof? A lot of homeowners forget their roof is even there until there's a leak. Periodically inspecting your roof yourself — and looking for other common problems as well — can prevent a small inconvenience from turning into a disaster. Here are some steps you can take to maintain your roof.

1. Visual Inspection

Getting up onto your roof can be helpful, but it's not necessary if it makes you uncomfortable. Walk around your house and take a close look. Check to see if you can spot damaged or curled shingles. Examine the flashing — using binoculars if necessary — for signs of buckling, and make sure your roof's fasteners aren't missing or exposed.

2. The Gutters

Cleaning out your gutters is essential for keeping water from puddling on your roof. While doing so, check to see if there is an unusually high amount of shingle granules gathering in your gutters. A few granules are acceptable, but too many and it's likely an indication that your asphalt shingles are damaged and need to be replaced.

3. Trim Nearby Trees

Remove tree branches that you notice hanging over the roof. These can break off during storms, causing severe damage. Furthermore, if too many leaves and small branches gather on your roof, it can result in puddling, giving moisture an opportunity to enter into your house.

4. Check for Moss and Mildew

If you notice moss growing on your roof, you'll have to remove it right way. Don't scrape it — as that can damage the roof — but use a moss removal spray to kill it, and then sweep it away. Make sure your attic is properly ventilated to prevent further growth.

5. Check the Caulking

If you can get onto your roof and you notice the caulking is failing around the flashing, you should re-caulk to get it back into shape. Do it yourself if you like, or call a residential roofing agency in Naples, FL, for the best results.

6. Re-Insulate

If there's poor insulation in your attic, have it replaced. A properly insulated attic will keep the roof warm preventing moisture from accumulating as well as the formation of ice dams under extreme circumstances.

If you notice that the problems with your roof seem to be adding up, your best bet is to call a residential roofing agency in Naples, FL, so you can have it taken care of before it gets any worse.