The Dos and Don’ts of Roofing Maintenance

Maintenance is an important part of keeping your roof functional and safe. Many homeowners believe that they can just let their roof be and it will take care of itself. But proper roof maintenance will ensure that your roof lasts longer and is more durable over time.

So, what can you do to maintain your roof? Here are some do’s and don’ts to help guide you.

Do: Clean Out Your Gutters

Gutters are crucial for keeping water away from your home. But over time, they’ll also collect leaves, branches, toys, and other debris. Since gutters are so small, it only takes a bit of blockage to reduce their effectiveness. Plus, piling debris in gutters can clog the system and block your downspout as well.

Periodically, check your gutters for debris and to make sure water is flowing through. Donning a pair of gloves, remove the debris into a garbage bag and flush what is left with a hose.

Keep an eye on your gutters to judge how often they get cluttered so you can come up with a schedule to keep them clean.

Don’t: Ignore Damaged Shingles

Your roof has so many shingles, what do a few missing or damaged shingles matter? It turns out it matters a lot. Damaged or missing shingles can allow water to seep through your roof, causing leaks. It also exposes the under layers of your roof and makes them more susceptible to damage.

Similarly, if any of your shingles have moss or mold growth, you should clean them off as soon as possible. Unless it’s stuck on, you may be able to just brush it off.

Do: Remove Debris

While your roof is meant to take a beating from the elements, lingering debris can cause issues. Make sure to remove any branches or patches of leaves that land on your roof. If the wind isn’t strong enough to remove leaves, you should remove them yourself as they can collect water when it rains.

Don’t: Forget About Safety

Whenever you perform roof maintenance, safety is crucial. Never work on your roof when it’s wet, even if you’re just leaning a ladder. A wet roof can be dangerous and cause you to slip. You should also be careful of any foreign objects that may be in your gutters, especially if you’re scooping debris with your hand (gloves are recommended).

Also, always bring another person along when you’re working on the roof. They can watch the ladder from the ground and be there in case anything happens. Plus, it’s always nice to have a helper!

When using a ladder, make sure the base is stable and the ladder has all its parts. Before climbing, ensure the ladder is on an even, solid surface and placed at a 4:1 ratio from the building. Take the distance of your home up to the roof and divide it by four, which will give you the distance the base of the ladder should be from the side of the house. If using a step ladder, do not use the top panel.

Do: Get Your Roof Inspected

A roof inspection will ensure all parts of your roof are functional and safe. A professional inspector can view your roof and look for damage or any potential issues.

A roof inspection can also look at gutters, chimneys, flashing, and other important pieces that make your roof complete.

All Your Roofing Issues Solved

At Rhyne Restoration Roofing, we take great care to make sure your roof is in top shape. Contact us today at (888) 973-0087 for a free estimate on a repair or replacement.