Roof Maintenance

A roof is so important to any residential or commercial property as it covers the physical structure and keeps away the weather elements. Unfortunately for most of us, we only think of our roof when there is an emergency e.g. a storm has caused havoc on the roof, there is a major leak or we are buying a property. To get the best out of your roof long term, it is important you give it some attention through regular inspections and maintenance. Here we identify some useful tips to guide you on this journey.
 
Regular roof inspections
It is key that you have regular visual inspections to ensure that your roof is in good shape. Start from looking at the edges of the roof and then look all the way. Do you notice anything different from the last inspection? Are there any cracks on the edges or do you see any broken shingles? Do you notice anything unusual with the roof membrane. We advise that you have regular inspections in addition to inspections after extreme weather conditions like a storm or strong winds etc. You do not need to climb or get to the top of the roof. Simply stand a bit farther from the property and you can get a good feel if the roof is okay.
 
Avoid debris build up and collection
It is important to avoid the build up of debris as when they pile up it could cause all sorts of problems to the roof. Debris build up means water does not flow and if it collects over a period of time could corrode the roof and lead to rust or damage to the roof shingles. This is sometimes called standing water. Long term this could lead to leaks which if not looked into would lead to more problems including roof damage or even damage to the property.
 
Keep the Gutters Clear
It is important to keep the gutters clear at all times.  To prevent the gutters from being blocked consider fitting gutter guards. Gutter guards are the grates that block debris and at the same time allows rain water to flow through. For the gutters to stay clean they need to be cleaned regularly. The most effective gutter cleaning procedure is by climbing a ladder and taking out the debris. This can be done by hand or by a special scoop which can be purchased in a DIY store. The alternative is to hire a handyman to clean your gutters. We insist for health and safety that you find an expert if you are not comfortable using a ladder.
 
Use leaf blower instead of power washer
Following on the point above, although there are recommendations for using a power washer to clean your roof, based on proven research we do not recommend it. The pressure from power washing can loosen the granules from the product’s top coating and result in damage that cannot be covered under the roof warranty. In addition, if toxic materials are used as part of the power wash then long term they could affect the shingles and lead to corrosion. We recommend using a leaf blower where possible and using a brush or scoop to clean the roof as regularly as required. It is important to do this in autumn when leaves fall.
 
Professional inspections
While there are a lot of DIY actions to be taken to maintain your roof, it is also important to have a local roofing expert to have a look at your roof as they have the experience and expertise to spot any issues. We recommend that this be done at least once a year to prolong the life of your roof. Through these inspections, minor issues are quickly addressed so that they don’t become bigger issues that would require more money to fix. Dealing with roof problems as they occur is a cost effective way of prolonging the life of your roof.
 
Our friendly expert team are on hand to assist you on all aspects regarding roof maintenance. We are happy to discuss your situation, arrange visits and guide you throughout the process. We are your local roofers and are here to help you.