A Homeowner’s Guide to Roof Maintenance

No matter where you live or what type of home you have, always remember the cardinal home protection rule: maintain your roof! After all, your home’s roof keeps your family warm and comfortable throughout the year, and a fantastic roof adds a lot of value to your property’s curb appeal.

Regular roofing maintenance keeps costs down and provides peace of mind. But what if you’re a new Tri-Cities homeowner or you’re just starting to notice problems with your roof? Check out these seven roof maintenance tips to ensure your roof is always in excellent condition.

1. Keep your gutters clear & clean

You can’t have a functional roof without gutters, so it’s always wise to check the condition of your gutters and ensure they are clear. At least once per season, head up top with a ladder to inspect your gutters, clear away debris and ice dams, and optionally install gutter guards (like the Gutter Clean Gutter Guard) to prevent clogs from forming in the first place.

Stellar gutters and gutter guards will keep your roof and your home’s siding safe, plus prevent excess water from soaking into the ground around your property’s foundation, which can lead to long-term structural damage!

2. Don’t let snow sit for long

The Tri-Cities area isn’t known for its heavy snowfall, but the occasional storm can do a number on your roof if you let powdery deposits of fresh snow sit for too long. If snow piles onto your home’s roof, and you check the weather forecast to find that it won’t warm up for a few days, it might be a good idea to push the snow off with a broom or brush before it melts.

By doing this, your roof won't have to bear the heavier load of the snow for very long, and you'll preserve the integrity of its shingles, whatever they happen to be made of.

3. Check for broken or missing shingles (plus other hazards)

Speaking of shingles, when you check your roof after a storm or for seasonal cleaning, be sure to watch out for any broken or missing shingles. Bad shingles are hotspots for new roof leaks, and they should be replaced ASAP.

Similarly, on our roof maintenance checklist, be on the lookout for mold growing across your home’s roof. If you see any, clean it with soap and water to stop it from spreading beneath your roof and into your house. Mold damage can lead to costly repairs if it’s left alone for too long.

4. Trim nearby trees

Every homeowner loves to have beautiful, verdant trees surrounding their property. But if tree branches extend over your roof, they can represent hazards to its integrity (and the safety of your gutter system).

During your seasonal yard maintenance, trim back any overly long tree branches that could pose hazards to your roof or your home’s windows during a windy storm. If the branches are particularly high or you don’t have the right equipment, you can also hire an arborist to trim your trees for you.

5. Watch for leaks, especially in the attic

If your home has an attic, it’s wise to check it for leaks about once per season. Even a small water stain could be indicative of a larger problem. Remember, a roof leak won’t just “go away” – it needs to be fixed by a professional. Catching those leaks sooner rather than later will save you a lot of money and may allow you to avoid having to replace your roof entirely.

6. Order roof inspections once per year (or more)

While you should personally inspect and maintain your roof as a responsible homeowner, professionals know exactly what to look for and how to spot sneakier problems, like the beginnings of mold growth or fractured shingles.

With that in mind, we recommend hiring a roof contractor to carry out an inspection at least once per year. Not only will this help you catch roof maintenance issues before they spiral out of control, but regular inspections will also give you a chance to update or upgrade your roof – like replacing it with a Certainteed Integrity Roofing System – as needed.

For instance, if your gutters are in poor condition and sagging downward, a good roofing contractor will notice this and recommend replacements. In any case, don’t skimp on regular inspections since the alternative – widespread roof damage and heavy leaks – is much more costly in the long run.

7. Install roof insulation

If you’re really concerned about keeping costs down, it may be a good idea to insulate your roof. If your roof doesn’t have adequate insulation, you’ll find that a lot of the heated air in your house escapes in fall and winter. Attics and lofts are notorious weak spots in home thermal envelopes.

On the flip side, proper roof insulation can last for decades and will result in hundreds or thousands of dollars in energy savings. Of course, an insulated roof will also make your home much more comfortable than it would be otherwise!

While these tips are great for maintaining a top-tier roof, what if your current roof is leaking or has other major problems? It might be time for a new roof replacement.

Window World of the Tri-Cities offers several total roofing solutions to enhance your home’s aesthetic and durability in equal measure. Best of all, our knowledgeable specialists can help you find the ideal roof for your needs and handle installation! It’s easy to get started, so contact us today!