Keeping a roof in good condition is something that should be taken seriously. While it is designed to provide protection from various weather elements, repeated exposure to heat, rain and cold will eventually take its toll on the roofing material. This is true of all parts of a house that is located in areas prone to severe weather such as hail or heavy snow. Neglecting maintenance will eventually result in costly repairs. Here are some maintenance tips from the roofing industry.
Premature Deterioration Causation
Deterioration can be the result of a number of events, both preventable and unpreventable. Here are a few causes that can be observed.
- Improper Construction – Poor quality roof construction can lead to early deterioration of the structure. Many problems could occur, such as mismatching of the roofing materials or having a design and/or material that isn’t suitable for the predominant weather patterns in a particular area. Both of these problems could lead to premature roof deterioration.
- Extreme Weather Conditions – Sometimes the reason for early damage is the presence of extreme weather. Places that are excessively hot can experience dried out asphalt roofs. Hail-prone areas would also require frequent maintenance and even replacement at very short intervals. Houses in locations with heavy snowfall could require frequent repairs as constant exposure to standing snow on the roof will cause water to seep through the roofing material.
- Lack of Maintenance – Neglect can also lead to premature deterioration. As with any aspect of the house, it requires regular care. Fallen leaves can accumulate and rot, causing more rapid deterioration. Flaking paint if not recoated can leave the material underneath it unprotected from the elements. Allowing snow to accumulate on the roof can cause the trusses to partially or completely collapse under the added weight.
Maintenance Tips
Many actions can be taken to prevent the early demise of a roof. The following are a few of those recommended actions.
- Regular Cleaning – Dirty roofs can develop problems sooner than well-maintained ones because any debris such as fallen leaves can potentially contaminate the roofing material. The same is true for accumulated moss. Such debris can easily weaken any type of material whether it’s cement, clay, tile, wood, or even slate. When cleaning, remove anything including plants, moss, ferns, and dead leaves.
- Remove Snow Build-up – The weight of accumulated snow can eventually destroy a roof or at least cause some parts to become warped. Snow can also restrict the flow of melting water and cause some of it to seep through the roofing system. As a part of maintenance during the winter months, snow must be removed once it accumulates to a critical level.
- Unclog Gutters – Gutters could eventually get blocked by debris such as leaves causing the water to not flow. When conducting maintenance, always check the gutters for blockage. This should help extend the life of the gutter as well as the roof.
- Regular Inspections – Check for signs that the roofing material is beginning to wear. One of the earliest indicators is lightening which is caused by overexposure to UV rays. Shingles also tend to curl over time and are a good indicator that the roof will require replacement.
- Do Simple Repairs – Conducting minor repairs like patching a hole, applying sealant on gaps, and replacing missing shingles can extend the life of a roof considerably. If ignored, such problems will eventually worsen; small amounts of water can seep through, eventually causing massive damage to the underlying structure.
- Trim Overhanging Trees – Branches that are in close proximity to the roof should be trimmed. Not only will the leaves collect on the roof’ the branches could also brush on the structure during strong winds and could cause damage.
Performing these simple maintenance tips can extend the life of a roof. Keep in mind that doing these tasks can be dangerous. Always use a safety line and a ladder and if the slope is too steep, it might be best to leave the job to a roofing contractor. If all of these tips are followed, the result could be an incredibly long-lasting roofing system!
Do you have questions about the status of your Brazos Valley roof or a roof Houston? The team of professionals at Schulte Roofing is prepared to help customers figure out the best solution for their roof!