TIPS FOR SAN DIEGO ROOF MAINTENANCE

Owning a home is a wonderful way to build a foundation for you and your family; however, it can take a lot of work to maintain and upkeep. With the constant bustle of everyday life and ever-expanding to-do lists, we tend to pay little attention to the roofs over our heads. While it may be common to think of roof maintenance as a once every decade type of activity, consistent inspections can help prolong the life of your roof and save you thousands in repairs and replacements. Below are some simple precautions you can take to ensure that your roof is in tip-top shape and able to provide you and your family the best possible protection.

Proper ventilation and insulation

Without proper ventilation, heat and moisture can cause sheathing and rafting to rot, causing components of your roof to buckle and degrade insulation. The best way to achieve optimum ventilation and sufficient airflow is to establish a proper insulation configuration. Having open, vented spaces that allow air to flow freely with at least one inch between the insulation and roof sheathing is also ideal. Proper insulation and ventilation in your attic can also help keep your roof in good condition by preventing ice dams from forming and reducing moisture.

Trim Overhanging Branches and Remove Leaves

Tree branches and leaves can be detrimental to your roof’s longevity. Overhanging branches can fall and cause fractures to your shingles, especially in harsh weather conditions. Additionally, they can allow squirrels, raccoons, and other rodents to gain access to your roof and feast upon your roof siding.

Accumulated leaves can be equally damaging. If not removed, leaves can decompose and trap moisture and/or encourage weed and algae growth. You can remove leaves from your roof using a roof leaf rake, leaf blower or a garden hose.

Caulk and Re-caulking

If an improper or low-grade caulking was used during your roof’s installation or repair, flashings may not hold their seal. An expert professional will be able to apply refresh application of caulk can help the longevity of your roof and prevent rapid wear and tear.

Avoid Power or Pressure Washing

Power or pressure washing is spraying your roof with hot and highly pressurized water to remove algae, dirt, leaves, and any other debris that can accumulate. Though it may be an effective method to get your roof clean, the aggressive force of water pressure can wear down your roof’s granules, stripping years off its lifespan, and cause unnecessary damage. Alternatively, you can create your own solution composed of equal parts of bleach and water, spray and let soak for 15-20 minutes, and then rinse off with an ordinary garden hose.

Replace broken or missing materials

To prevent severe additional damage from things such as water leaks, rot, mold, and mildew alike, you should promptly replace broken or missing roofing materials like shingles, tiles or shakes. Weak or empty spots on your roof will act as a sort of magnet for the elements to have access over your entire roof with the result being more shingles/tiles becoming damaged or dislodged entirely and thus increasing the costs of repair.

Clean the Gutters

This may not be the most fun or glamorous job, but it is an essential step to keeping your roof in good condition. Gutters are installed to carry off rainwater and protect your home from damage due to wastewater. If left uncleaned, leaves and other debris can build up and clog this drainage system. Overtime, the added weight can cause damage to the fascia (the board behind the gutter), which then can collapse and ruin the shingles and your roof as a whole. Overflows caused by clogged gutters can also spew upwards and destroy your roof rafters. To prevent such incidents, experts recommend cleaning your gutters twice yearly; once in the spring, and once in the fall.

Check for Shingle Damage

Shingles are subject to daily wear and tear along with bracing against different elements that can quickly wear them down. Annual inspections are advisable, but it is also important to keep an eye out for common shingle complications such as:

• Curling: Typically caused by a moisture or poor ventilation, the shingle will lift and curl on its perimeter. The curls can be up or down and occur on the sides, in the middle, or from the bottom.

• Cupping: Usually exhibited when shingles have poor ventilation or are reaching old age, causing the shingle to concave.

• Granule loss: Granules are the stone surface placed on top of shingles to help protect them from UV and other elemental damages. As such, their function is essential to protecting your roof. The cause of granule loss can vary from normal wear and tear to extreme damages. However, once the shingle starts showing cracks and significant signs of wear, it may be good to consider a replacement.

Be Vigilant

Roof maintenance may not be something you think about every day and damages aren’t always immediately obvious, which is why many are left untreated until after they have worsened. Keep your eyes and ears out for anything that could potentially destroy your roof (ie: critters, shingle issues) and take proactive action as soon as the problem is identified.

Get a Professional Inspection

Being able to address repairs and conduct maintenance on your home yourself is an empowering thing, but you can’t do it all. We recommend hiring a roof inspector once every 12-24 months to ensure that everything is still in optimum condition. A professional will know exactly what signs to look out for and help identify some areas you may have missed. Your inspector can also provide information on how long your roof is expected to last as well as recommend repair options.

If your roof is due for a professional inspection, repair, or replacement, we are here to help! Our team of licensed and insured experts can guide you through high-quality options to keep your home safe and beautiful. Chat, email, or call our 24/7 service line at (619) 501-2138 for a free consultation!