The roof is the essential element of every home, and without proper care, there’s likely to be some problems. Just like any part of your home, the roof also needs some love, especially after bad weather.
If you want the preserve the integrity of the interior you need to take care of the exterior. You don’t have to be a pro to be able to spot certain issues, that’s why I asked 619 Roofing of San Diego to show me what I should pay attention to when I climb up. Here’s what you need to check when you go up to the roof:
Inspection
The first step in detecting potential issues is to perform a thorough inspection, as much as safety and your expertise allow it. Remember, it is always good to hire a professional to regularly inspect the condition of the roof, inform you directly if something’s wrong, and suggest solutions.
If you decide to DYI perform an inspection here’s what you should do:
Shingles serve as the first line of defense against weather. Sometimes they get loose, break, or fall off. It is your job to see if any shingle is missing or broken and replace them. Also, if you see that they are worn out, it is good to replace them preventively.
You should also check the inside of your home because there might also be signs of damage or unwanted guests like termites or mold. If you spot any watermarks on walls or ceilings, peeled paint, or the smell of musty water, that’s your indicator to react.
Thirdly, see if you can spot any rust on flashing. Metal parts on the roof are constantly exposed to water, and, over time, rust is very likely to invade. You can use paint resistant to corrosion, but, if the rust has progressed significantly, then replacement is the right call.
Check Gutters
Gutters’ role is to divert water from the roof down to the ground. Over time, gutters can also become loose and cause problems. A leak can be caused by dirty and clogged gutters, that’s why cleaning them could solve the problem. As mentioned earlier, rust can also affect gutters, and that’s why you need a good eye and experience to spot even the smallest issues that grow into major breaks if not attended to early on.
Check Your Surroundings
Make sure your roof has room to breathe. Tree branches can be problematic if left to grow without supervision. Branches can damage the shingles during heavy storms. Leaves should not stay on the roof, as they can create clogs and unnecessary weight.
Protect your roof and trim the trees around it to mitigate the risk of damage during bad weather, but also to reduce the number of times you’d have to clean after a strong wind.
Clean Regularly
The roof is usually not prioritized when you are cleaning the house, but regular cleaning is vital for longevity and quality of service. Regular maintenance is a phrase commonly used inside and outside your home. Cleaning your roof from debris every now and then will prevent bigger issues. Don’t neglect the roof after a heavy storm, as many things might end up there and stay if not removed.
Schedule Maintenance
Going up on the roof is dangerous, and it is not recommended to risk hurting yourself or causing more trouble because you don’t have the proper tools or knowledge. There’s no need to be a hero and attempt to fix the roof yourself if you can let a professional do all the necessary hard work in your stead. That’s why you need to hire someone to check your roof regularly and fix anything that needs fixing.
