Your roof is one of the most important assets of your home. As the first line of defense against weather and pests, good roof maintenance is essential to prevent costly repairs down the road. Greenman Roofing recommends taking a proactive DIY approach to minor roof care and knowing when it’s better to call in a professional roofer. Apply these do-it-yourself roof maintenance tips to prolong your roof’s lifespan and catch small issues before they become big problems.
Inspect and Clean the Roof Twice a Year
Make roof inspection and cleaning a biannual spring and fall ritual. Use binoculars and telescoping ladders when necessary for hard-to-reach spots.
- Look for damaged, loose, cracked or missing shingles. Map where replacements are needed.
- Clean out gutters and roof drains so water can flow freely. Clogged drains can lead to moisture issues.
- Trim back overhanging branches. This prevents abrasion damage and allows sunlight to hit the roof.
- Clear moss and algae growth with household bleach or zinc sulfate solutions. Be extremely careful handling chemicals on steep rooftops.
- Document any changes from the last inspection. Compare photos or keep written records.
Practice Proper Roof Maintenance Habits
Incorporate DIY care into your seasonal home maintenance routines:
- Annual professional gutter cleanings prevent wood rot, soil erosion and foundation damage over time.
- Confirm attic ventilation and insulation meet recommendations to prevent heat and moisture buildup.
- Inspect both the exterior and interior ceilings below the roof for early signs of water stains or damage.
- Avoid piling heavy objects like furniture on the roof. This can stress structures.
- Check for roof leaks after severe storms. Look for damp spots on ceilings and walls.
- Replace worn out weather stripping around skylights, plumbing vent boots, etc. to prevent openings for pests.
Make Minor Patch Repairs
Not all roof repairs require calling a contractor. With caution, homeowners can perform minor patching between professional inspections:
Patch Holes
Cover small holes from missing shingles with plastic cement. Secure nearby loose tabs or edges to prevent further lifting.
Fix Exposed Nails
Hammer down protruding nails and place a small shingle patch underneath with roofing cement.
Replace Individual Shingles
Lift cracked, broken or missing shingles gingerly to avoid more damage. Slide the new replacement in place and seal edges carefully with cement.
Reseal Asphalt Shingles
Heat and sun dry out shingle sealant strips over time. Reactivate sealant by applying roofing cement to curling shingle seams so they lie flat again.
Know Your Limits
While the above covers routine DIY roof maintenance, certain repairs like full shingle replacement, structural damage or complex projects with steep roofs call for a professional roofer’s expertise. Here are signs it’s time to phone seasoned local roofing contractor:
- Multiple layers of old shingles need removal before re-roofing.
- Significant leak detection and troubleshooting is needed.
- Advanced safety equipment like scaffolding or harnesses are necessary to prevent falls. Roof work annually causes over 150 deaths and 100,000 ER visits nationally.
- Special access equipment such as cranes or lift trucks are required.
- Intricate flashing details around multiple roof intersections slow progress.
- Certifications are required for certain roof materials like slate, tile or metal.
- Extensive roof repairs could void shingle or system warranties if improperly done.
Know when to call in backup and protect people on the ground from falling debris before attempting complex roof work. The wise homeowner determines which projects they can safely and successfully DIY versus delegating to the roofing pros.
Adopting regular DIY roof checks coupled with occasional professional maintenance saves money over the decades. But more importantly, attentive care prolonged your roof’s lifespan and shields your most valuable asset – your home. Follow these pointers for roof health and weather readiness when stormy days come.
