Roof maintenance is an important part of home ownership. It keeps your investment protected and can increase property value.
Regular roof inspections at Danforth Construction detect problems early, reducing the likelihood of costly repairs later. Look for signs of leaks, such as water stains or mold. Examine flashing, gutters, downspouts, and ventilation to ensure proper functioning.
Check for Curled Shingles
When properly installed and maintained, shingles should lie flat and create a tight, layered barrier that protects the home from water intrusion. When you notice a curling shingle, or spots of curled shingles scattered throughout the roof, it’s a sign that your home’s protective layer is starting to weaken. Curling shingles can lead to leaks, wood rot, mold and insulation damage, all of which require professional attention and repair. Identifying these signs early limits damage and saves you money on future repairs.
The best way to spot a problem is to conduct regular visual inspections of your roof. Start in a spot that allows you to see the entire roof, or at least a large portion of it. Look for shingles that are warped, buckling or missing. You should also inspect the flashing, which is a thin piece of metal or other material, typically galvanized steel, that’s installed to help direct moisture away from areas like chimneys and dormers. Also, check your gutters for shingle granules, which can indicate that your shingles are breaking down faster than expected.
Most roofing problems aren’t as obvious as they seem, so it’s important to know what to look for. Shingle curling may not immediately raise any immediate concerns, but it’s a strong indicator that your roof is losing its integrity.
If left unchecked, the issue can spread to larger sections of your roof. Moisture and temperature fluctuations, particularly with seasonal changes, can cause shingles to expand and contract unevenly. This causes weak points and tension in the materials that ultimately lift or curl the edges.
Ignoring these issues can be very expensive in the long run. A quick inspection and proper maintenance are essential to protecting your home in Murfreesboro and other areas in the region. Contact Iron Shield Roofing to schedule regular roof maintenance, inspections, and repairs to keep your home protected all year round. Our experienced team offers thorough assessments and prompt, quality repairs to help you get the most from your roofing system. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about our services.
Check for Cracked Shingles
When you notice a crack in a shingle, it’s important to act quickly. This will protect your home from moisture and help the shingles extend their lifespan. If the crack is wide, a professional will need to inspect your roof to determine the extent of the damage and recommend a solution. A professional roofer who offers maintenance services will spot small issues before they develop into bigger ones, saving you money and stress in the future.
Performing a visual inspection of your roof regularly, especially after severe weather, will catch problems that can lead to leaks and costly repairs. During this inspection, look for granule loss, curling and cracked shingles. These signs can indicate that shingles are nearing the end of their lifespan or that the underlayment has failed. The deterioration of the underlayment can also cause the sheathing (the layer of plywood that supports the shingles) to rot.
Make sure you check for debris on the roof surface and in the gutters. Leaves, twigs and other debris trap moisture and accelerate shingle wear. If a clogged gutter forces water — and possibly ice, depending on the time of year — under shingles, it can cause rot in the roof deck and attic walls. Also check for algae or moss growth. These can retain moisture, and if the shingles are asphalt shingles, they may become discolored or have a dark streaking appearance.
The flashing that runs around chimneys, vents and skylights is another place to look for potential damage or leaking. These pieces of metal, usually galvanized steel, are installed to seal joints where the roof meets vertical surfaces like the side of a dormer or the chimney. Examine these areas for corrosion and to see if the flashing has come loose or is missing altogether.
Finally, if your roof is made of clay tile or slate, make sure to inspect it for damaged sections. These materials are naturally fireproof, but they can crack, particularly when walked on during a home renovation or construction project. Also examine the clay plugs at the eaves for cracking or rot.
Check for Daylight
Whenever possible, perform roofing maintenance during daylight. Check for accumulated dirt and debris that may clog drains and promote roof surface deterioration. Examine the condition of insulation and attic ventilation. Wet or compressed insulation reduces effectiveness and promotes mold growth. Look for water stains on rafters and decking, as these indicate active or past leaks. Also check for organic growth such as moss and algae, which trap moisture against the roof surface and accelerate deterioration. Finally, examine eave and ridge vents for obstructions. Also inspect trusses and beams for signs of stress such as cracking, peeling paint, rot, rust or fungus.
Trim Tree Branches
In addition to causing roof damage, overhanging branches can facilitate the buildup of moisture and pests on the roofing surface. These conditions can lead to the formation of moss, lichen and mold that damage the roofing material and weaken the structural integrity of the roof. Over time, this can cause leaks and water intrusion into the home, requiring costly repairs.
The best way to protect the structure of a roof is to regularly trim overhanging tree limbs. This helps reduce the likelihood of them becoming a falling hazard during high winds and storms. It also limits the amount of sunlight that reaches these areas, which can contribute to fungal growth and moisture retention.
To avoid damaging the trees, it is a good idea to work with an experienced arborist for these tasks. They will be able to prune the limbs without compromising the health of the tree. Additionally, they can provide insight into the proper trimming technique for your specific trees and shrubs.
When determining the proper pruning cut for a branch, it is important to never cut into the branch collar. This is the swelled-up area under a branch that connects it to the trunk. This area is usually easily identified by eyeballing it, but some species have more difficult to distinguish. The goal is to make the first cut just beyond the branch collar, far enough that you don’t accidentally cut the bark ridge itself. The second cut is made about a couple inches past the first, and the third is at the top of the branch.
It is a good idea to avoid pruning a tree during its most vulnerable times, such as after a season of drought or after it has been stressed by other factors such as disease or insects. These conditions can leave the tree with low energy reserves, which makes it more susceptible to damage from high winds or storms.
If a nearby neighbor has unruly tree limbs that hang over your house, it is a good idea to have a polite but firm conversation with them about the problem. This will not only prevent potential damage to your roof, but it can help resolve an issue that may have otherwise gone unnoticed.
