Good roofing maintenance provided at the right times is key to promoting a long roof life.

To do so, roofing companies recommend homeowners learn how and when their specific roofing installations should be maintained to get the most service from their investment.

Retain the protective functionality of any roofing system with proper roof maintenance performed by an experienced roof contractor.

How Is Roofing Maintenance Defined?

Regarding caring for a residential roofing installation, there is a big difference between roofing maintenance as well as care and repairs made to resolve damage.

Damage that requires repairs often occurs due to a lack of proper maintenance, which causes the materials to deteriorate faster than they should.

On the other hand, roof maintenance is routine and preventive yearly and seasonal care that slows the aging of the materials, keeping them resilient throughout the seasons and years.

A properly maintained roof will reach its life expectancy with minimal issues, avoiding the costly “break-fix” method of roofing care that can result in a shorter roofing life.

What Does Roof Maintenance Include?

While different roofing systems may require certain unique maintenance, roofing companies find that all of them can benefit from the same basic maintenance services:

Routine Inspections - Proper roofing maintenance always starts with an inspection performed by a qualified roofer who can assess the condition of the roof installation, look for issues that require attention, and make suggestions on preventive care to prevent known problems from occurring.
Gutter and Roof Cleaning - Spring and fall gutter cleaning are essential roof maintenance tasks, as clogged gutters can contribute to problems that can cause serious roofing damage. Roofers also recommend as-needed removal of leaves and vegetation stuck in valleys where they will decompose and deteriorate the roofing materials and occasional roof cleaning to remove mold and mildew that causes dry rot, making the roof less durable.
Frequent Flashing Checks and Repairs - With loose, damaged, or missing flashing being the source of many leaks, roofing companies stress the importance of frequent flashing checks and repairs as a part of overall maintenance.
Other Specific Maintenance Requirements - Depending on the type of roof installed, flashing checks, adhesion checks, UV coating, and other routine maintenance should be performed as stated by the materials manufacturer.

What Is The Role of Homeowners In Proper Roof Care?

Proper roofing maintenance is a year-round effort that starts with the homeowner.

Primarily, homeowners should stay observant of their roofs, watching for signs of damage or developing problems like missing shingles, pest damage, loose flashing, leaks, and sudden storm damage.

Homeowners can also handle seasonal gutter cleaning on a DIY basis if they are inclined to or call a roofer to do it for them.

They should also arrange seasonal tree trimming to keep tree branches from contacting or overhanging the roof and track their home energy efficiency, which can indicate that the roofing materials are deteriorating.

Develop A Maintenance Plan With A Local Roofing Company

To keep a roof in great shape, homeowners must avoid falling into the ‘out of sight, out of mind’ trap and pay attention to theirs throughout the year.

With routine inspections and the investment in roof maintenance and minor repairs necessary to prevent serious problems from developing, any roofing installation can stay in great shape for years to come.

A local roofing company can work with homeowners to create a maintenance plan to ensure their roofs get all the preventive care they need for a long healthy lifespan!