Would you drive your car around all year without checking or changing the oil? How about rotating or checking the air pressure in the tires? Then why would you treat something that protects your entire family and all your belongings that way? Your roof is protecting your most valuable assets and at Blair Roofing & Construction we believe it’s worth a small investment each year to have a professional thoroughly check your roof once a year. Below is a list of items we feel are important to have included in this annual inspection process:
- Clear all debris from the surface of the roof. This includes anything that has gathered behind pipes, chimneys, in Valleys and on low sloped surfaces. Most of this debris is likely from surrounding trees shedding tree leaves and limbs. Debris has a tendency to hold water and even cause the water to back up, and water will expedite roof deterioration, especially if your roof is asphalt based such as a built-up roof or asphalt shingle. This debris should be removed annually or even semi-annually if necessary.
- If your roof is starting to collect moss or algae, installing some zinc or lead control strips at the roof peak can help curb this issue.
- Check all flashings and make sure that they are not deteriorated and there are no holes in them. Squirrels are notorious for this.
- Check the condition of the neoprene gaskets at all of the collar around the vertical pipes that come out of the attic, they tend to dry out and get brittle.
- Replace any missing, torn or damaged shingles. This will cause leaks and result in more damage to your home and even the interior items like wet insulation and damage to drywall and wood trim.
- Keep all gutter free of debris. Make sure that the downspouts are draining properly by water testing them. This is a source of rotted siding and deteriorated fascia board that can allow squirrels and raccoons to enter the attic space.
- Trim back any overhanging tree branches, they rub the shingles and create holes that you can’t see from the ground until it is too late and a leak or deterioration has occurred.
- Check all caulking and sealants. Scrape and remove any caulking that is weather cracked and damaged. Clean the area thoroughly and reapply quality polyurethane caulking such Vulkem, NP-1, or equivalent.
- Check the mortar on chimneys and parapet walls, both in between the brick and on top. If it’s damaged or deteriorated repair it and apply a waterproof coating or redo the crown/cap and have any necessary mortar joints pointed up.
A little preventative maintenance will help prolong the life of your roofing system and keep protecting your home and its contents worry free for years to come. It is money well spent in the long run.