As one of the largest exterior parts of your home, your roof is subject to constant temperature changes, and is exposed to dirt and debris (and other unpleasant things) on a daily basis. Inevitably, it will show signs of wear and tear over time. A smart homeowner, however, knows that proper roof care can make a roof last longer. What’s involved?
Roof cleaning. You can use high-powered equipment or go with a simple cleaning solution. Either way, cleaning will help remove algae, dirt, and moss from the roof surface. Cleaning should usually be done twice a year – around the start of summer, and during fall. But many experts recommend cleaning as soon as stains show up.
Be careful with using pressurized water on your roof, though, as improper application may damage the shingles. If you need power washing, it’s still best you hire a professional.
Maintenance. There are two types of roofing maintenance programs, and one does not preclude the necessity for the other. In fact, running these two programs simultaneously is important.
Preventive. Preventive maintenance seeks to address issues before they crop up, so a big part of this program involves spotting potential problems and treating them before they become full-blown issues. This is also something that a professional should do. Preventive maintenance should also be carried out bi-annually – before and after the start of the worst of the weather. The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends the following to be checked during an inspection:
- Buckling, blistering, or curling shingles
- Loose or damaged material around roof penetrations
- Granules in the gutter
Reactive. Reactive maintenance, on the other hand, is corrective repair. Weathered flashing, for instance, requires replacement. In some cases, professional equipment may be necessary. Reactive maintenance is particularly necessary after a bad weather event.
For commercial-use buildings, predictive roofing maintenance is also conducted. This type of maintenance uses advanced technology to determine the ideal timetable to have repair work done, as well as examine the condition of various roofing components.
But why do you really need to go through all that trouble? In part two of this three-part blog post, we go over the reasons why you need roof care.