Roof Maintenance
Maintain your roofing system to ensure its individual components continue to waterproof your home.
Roofs are not maintenance free systems. Typically because they are out of site and out of mind it is very common to neglect its upkeep. Like a car needs routine maintenance, so too must a roof be maintained to maximize its durability and longevity. Every roof system should have a routine maintenance schedule to address minor wear issues and prevent the need for future repairs. When the roof will require maintenance varies on the type of roof system installed.
Maintenance is needed as the different components of the roof age at different rates. On a shingle roof, the ridge may curl up and be worn. On a tile roof, individual tiles can break. On clay tile roof, the cement may wear. The sealant on roof penetration, such as vent pipes, may crack. These are some examples of how individual components of a roofing system may compromise the underlayment, the primary barrier that protects and waterproofs your home. When such openings are left unattended, it is very easy for the underlayment beneath to wear prematurely when repeatedly exposed to moisture.
A thorough routine maintenance typically includes the following as needed:
Shingle Roofs
Replacing worn ridge
Clearing valleys, wall corners, and chimney areas of debris build up
Correcting and refastening any flashings
Resealing all vents and necessary areas
Repainting all flashings
Tile Roofs
Replacing broken or missing tiles
Realigning loose tiles that have fallen out of place
Reapplying mortar at all necessary areas if required
Clearing valleys, wall corners, and chimney areas of debris build up
Correcting and refastening any flashings
Resealing all vents and necessary areas
Repainting all flashings
A thorough routine maintenance service can typically be completed approximately every 2 - 5 years depending on the type, age, and condition of the roof. For commercial properties, it is often standard to enter into a biannual routine maintenance schedule to keep the roof free form debris build up. Owners should be mindful of external events that may cause roof damage and an earlier need for service, such as painters, fumigation, tree trimming, storms, etc.
For more information on roof maintenance for your property, give us a call for your free estimate.