To get the most out of your roof, regular maintenance should be performed. Below is a brief list of maintenance tasks to perform to lengthen your roof’s lifetime:
Don’t let debris sit on the roof. Remove branches, leaves, soil buildup, and anything else that collects on your roof. Keep it clear and clean.
Regularly clean gutters and downspouts and inspect them for wear.
Periodically, make a visual inspection for excessive wear. Be sure asphalt shingles have adequate granules and that there are no cracks.
Look for missing, displaced, or flapping shingles. These can all lead to problem areas and leaks.
If you have a flat or low-slop roof, after a heavy rain check for areas that may be causing ponding. If this happens regularly, you may see discoloration in those areas.
Check flashing and the caulking around it. It should be well secured with no crack, breaks, or other evidence of deterioration.
Inspect flexible expansion and relief joints for cracks or tears.
Inspect all areas that go through the roof. Vents and skylights, for example, to make sure they are not leaking and are properly sealed.
After all severe weather events (hail, wind, severe rain, ice), it’s always a good idea to do a quick visual of your roof so if there is any damage, you can get it repaired quickly before any further damage occurs.