Asphalt shingle roof maintenance exemplifies the adage “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.” Many homeowners recognize its importance, but not a lot of them practice it, thinking that it is not necessary as long as their roofs are in top shape. As the leading roofing contractor in the area, we can’t reiterate enough how crucial maintenance is in making the most of your roofing system. Thus, we bring you this in-depth guide to help you protect your investment.
About Your Asphalt Shingle Roof
Asphalt shingles remain the most popular roofing material, gracing roughly 80% of residential properties all over the United States. With an average lifespan of 15 to 30 years, they are an economical choice for homeowners looking for durable options at a reasonable price. They are available in a wide range of colors and textures, with some styles and profiles mimicking the look and feel of other roofing materials like slate and wood shakes.
However, it is not uncommon for asphalt shingles to take a lot of abuse over their lifetime. Long-term exposure to the elements can cause substantial wear and tear, leading to damage that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Other factors such as poor installation, inconsistent upkeep, insufficient ventilation and presence of biological growth further exacerbate the issue.
The Importance of Roof Maintenance
Every time the area you live in faces harsh weather conditions, your roof suffers damage. Unfortunately, it may not always be obvious, which is what leads you to believe that your roof is still intact. Even if there are less noticeable signs of damage, you must make sure a professional regularly inspects and performs maintenance on your roof. When you keep your investment in great condition, you can be sure that your home will remain protected from the elements. It also helps you minimize costly repairs and hold off premature roof replacement.
Roof maintenance involves two parts: inspection and roofing work. Designed to be thorough and meticulous, an inspection aims to assess the roof’s overall condition. Residential and commercial roofing contractors provide reports to present findings, complete with images or videos to serve as proof where necessary. Depending on the results indicated in the report, the professionals recommend specific roofing work to address any problems that may have been discovered. Performing regular inspections can help detect issues at their early stages, leading to simpler and faster repairs.
Steps Involved in Routine Roof Maintenance
Here’s what to expect when you get your trusted contractor to come up and perform roof maintenance.
1. Cleaning the Roof
Routine cleaning, clearing and tidying of the roof are among the most important aspects of roof maintenance. Apart from the asphalt shingles and flashings, the pros will focus on the other components such as downspouts, ventilation. And rooftop installations like skylights, vents, chimneys and solar panels.
Even when there’s no scheduled maintenance, you must still ensure your roof’s upkeep. Cut back overhanging branches of nearby trees to minimize debris. Invest in a gutter protection system to prevent leaves and other wind-carried debris from getting into your gutters and make cleanup easier. Let your roofer know about leaks or drips that occur on your gutter system during or right after a rainstorm.
2. Inspecting the Roof
The pros will begin the inspection once the roof debris has been removed. It is usually carried out twice a year, preferably in spring and autumn. Doing this gives the roofing team a chance to take note of anything out of the ordinary and complete minor repairs before they turn into bigger issues.
In this part of routine maintenance, expect the pros to check the roof surface for the following:
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Signs of blistered, curled, or cracked shingles
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Loose or missing shingles
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Exposed shingle nails
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Rust or corrosion on metal flashings
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Missing or damaged caulk around sealed flashings
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Excessive shingle granule loss
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Mold growth or rot on fascia boards and soffits
They will also get up your attic and inspect the roof from the inside. There, they will measure and calculate existing attic ventilation. They’ll also check for signs of sagging on the decking or sheathing, as well as rot and mold growth in and around the insulation.
3. Repairing the Roof
Wear and tear on asphalt shingle roofs reveals signs of deterioration that are usually noticeable. This is the most obvious sign that you need roof repair, but it’s not the only one. Water stains on your ceiling and/or walls and a significant increase in energy bills are also indicators that your roof needs attention. With routine maintenance, you can be sure that the roofers will immediately complete the necessary repairs to maintain the structural integrity of the whole system.
Expect the roofing team to replace or repair missing, broken or buckled shingles, corroded valley flashings, and punctured or sagging gutters and downspouts. Having these potential issues fixed during scheduled maintenance means you’ll be spending less money on sudden repairs. It will also be easier for your family to perform daily activities without hassle.
4. Keeping a Record of Your Roof’s Condition
Business owners and facilities managers work with commercial roofers to maintain a formal record of roof inspections and repairs. This is necessary to ensure strong occupational health and safety practices. This collaboration can also apply to both homeowners and contractors.
Keeping a record of all the times your asphalt shingle roof underwent maintenance is a great way to keep track of the work the pros performed. This gives you a better understanding of your roof’s current condition, allowing you to decide on repairs or replacements.
The success of your roof maintenance depends on your choice of contractor. Search “roofers near me” and you’ll most definitely see Atrium Roofing on top of the search results. We offer a variety of residential roofing services and our company is certified by the top brands like GAF and Owens Corning. Expect our professional team of roofers to give you insights and expert opinions regarding your roof’s overall condition after every inspection. After providing recommendations on the best course of action for your situation, we’ll begin tackling the necessary repairs.
Protect your roof and ensure its longevity and performance through our maintenance services. Call (210) 807-6767 or fill out our contact form to request an estimate.