Let’s face it—you don’t always give your roof the attention it deserves. While it tirelessly shelters you from the rain, wind, and unrelenting sun, it’s easy to forget that your roof needs some TLC every once in a while. Fortunately, a little care goes a long way. Follow this roof maintenance checklist to keep your roof in tip-top shape for years to come.
When Should You Inspect Your Roof?
Experts recommend inspecting your roof at least twice a year, typically in spring and fall. This timing allows you to catch issues from winter storms or summer heat before they get any worse. Then, always inspect after major weather events like hailstorms or tornadoes.
Spotting Trouble from the Inside
It’s easy to put off roof maintenance, but if you see signs of roof problems from inside your home, you know you need to act without delay. Be on the lookout for the following:
- Water stains on ceilings or walls
- Peeling paint or sagging drywall
- Visible mold or mildew
- Musty odors
- Active drips and leaks
Essential Roof Maintenance Tips
Whether you spot signs of trouble or are simply gearing up for seasonal roof care, here are the items that should be on your roof maintenance checklist:
- Clear debris: Leaves, branches, and other gunk can accumulate on the roof, especially in valleys and along gutters. Regular cleaning prevents deterioration caused by standing water.
- Inspect and repair shingles: Look for cracked, missing, or loose shingles and replace them promptly to prevent leaks.
- Check flashing: Metal flashing around vents, chimneys, and skylights should be secure and undamaged. Replace any rusted, dented, or missing flashing.
- Gutter maintenance: Clean the gutters and downspouts of debris to prevent water damage and ice dams when the weather turns cold.
- Trim overhanging branches: Tree limbs can scrape your roof and drop debris onto the shingles. Keep them trimmed back to minimize damage.
- Look for moss and algae: These growths can damage roofing materials. Gently remove them to prevent roof deterioration. Then, consider installing shingles with special copper-lined granules to guard against future algae and moss.
- Ensure proper attic insulation and ventilation: The attic floor should be well insulated, with soffit and ridge vents to allow cool, dry air to circulate. Also, dryer and bathroom vents should exhaust outside, not into the attic. If you haven’t checked the condition of your attic in a while, add this to your roof maintenance checklist.
Call Gresham Roofing and Construction
You know that regular roof maintenance is important, but what if you don’t have the time, skills, or desire to do it yourself? That’s where Gresham Roofing and Construction comes in. We’ve been maintaining roofs since 1968, during which time we have earned a reputation for high-quality workmanship and outstanding customer service. We collaborate closely with architects and engineers, ensuring our work is aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound. Our team is trained and certified in all aspects of roofing, promising a job well done, whether you need residential roof maintenance, installation, or repair. To schedule services in the Portland Metro Area, including Lake Oswego, Tualatin, Camas, and Vancouver, please contact us at (503) 492-7663 today
