Keeping the roof clear of debris, cleaning gutters, and inspecting the flashing around chimneys, vent pipes, skylights, and other penetrations prevents leaks and extends the life of your roof. These are tasks that can normally be assigned to mechanics in your maintenance crew who perform routine housekeeping surveys.
Leaks are commonly found at penetrations, where the sealant is cracking or deteriorating. Re-caulking or sealing these areas can save thousands in repairs and maintenance costs in the long run.
Gutter cleaning is often a homeowner’s least favorite maintenance task, but it’s a necessary one. Clogged gutters lead to a host of problems, including roof leaks and foundation issues. They can also damage shingles and invite pests into your home. If you’re not comfortable climbing a ladder, or are simply too busy to clean your gutters yourself, hiring a professional is a smart option.
A well-maintained gutter system is crucial for your home’s structural integrity. It prevents soil erosion around the foundation and protects landscaping and walls from dampness. Gutters that aren’t functioning properly, on the other hand, can cause a number of problems, including rotted fascia, sagging shingle edges, deteriorating roof materials, and water-damaged walls.
Having functional gutters is particularly important in colder climates. The moisture in clogged gutters can freeze and expand, damaging the structure of your home. In addition, ice dams can form over the gutter opening and prevent proper water dispersion.
Gutter cleaning should be done at least twice a year to maintain optimal performance. However, the frequency of cleanings will depend on the type of trees in your yard and how frequently leaves fall. If you have a lot of pine trees, for example, your gutters will need to be cleaned more frequently than those on birch or oak trees.
When it’s time to clean your gutters, make sure you have a sturdy ladder and a few ladder stabilizers (also called “ladder horns”), which will help keep the ladder from knocking uncomfortably against the house. Put on a pair of rubber gloves, safety glasses, and grippy shoes before beginning to work. Have a bucket or bag handy to put the debris in as you go along.
As you work, start at the end of the gutter nearest to the downspout and move towards the closed end. Using your hands, scoop the gunk out of the gutters and into the bucket or bag. You can also use a plastic scoop or even a child’s sand shovel. Once all the gunk is removed, run a garden hose through each downspout to flush it.
Trim Trees
Regularly trimming trees that overhang the roof prevents them from rubbing against the roof during storms and causing damage. It also reduces leaf litter and debris that accumulates on the roof and accelerates deterioration.
The first step in pruning a tree is removing branches that have already grown too long. This can be done using a ladder or by climbing the tree with a pair of loppers. It’s important to make sure you are not removing too much at once. This can weaken the tree and leave it vulnerable to disease.
You should also trim low-growing limbs. These can be a hazard to people or infrastructure and divert energy from the main branches.
Narrow crotches are another problem that should be pruned out. These are a hazard because bark can become trapped between the limbs and cause a weak attachment point. This also encourages disease. Proper pruning will reduce the amount of overlapping limbs and promote the formation of “wound wood” that protects against rot. If the wound wood is not properly formed, it can allow fungi into the cut and lead to disease.
Aim for a balanced, natural shape with a clear trunk and branch structure. Maintain a single dominant leader stem and remove co-dominant stems to avoid structural weakness.
Do not remove more than 25% of a tree’s canopy at one time. This can lead to stress that weakens the tree and can even kill it.
Avoid topping, which is the indiscriminate shortening of a tree that causes a cluster of unruly and weakly attached branches to emerge near the cut. This practice has been shown to significantly decrease a tree’s life span and can also pose a safety hazard to people or property. Avoid shearing trees into hedges, which is a poor form of pruning that can weaken the structure of the tree. Wound paints should be avoided as they appear to interfere with the ability of a tree’s wound to heal properly and may even encourage rotting.
Inspect Shingles
Shingle roofs are a common choice for homeowners, as they are cost effective, durable, and offer a wide range of color options. However, shingle roofs can be vulnerable to a number of conditions, and it is important to evaluate their condition regularly.
During a roof inspection, inspectors look for a variety of issues. First, they check for missing or cracked shingles. These can allow water to leak into the home, so it is important to replace them as soon as possible. Inspectors also note any areas where shingles have begun to curl or shift, which can lead to further damage and leaks.
Inspectors also evaluate the granules that protect the asphalt layer from UV radiation. When granules are dislodged, it can expose the roofing materials to additional damage and shorten their lifespan. Inspectors can identify this by checking the gutters for excessive granule accumulation, and also by looking for areas of the roof that have bare spots.
A roof inspection should also include a look at the ventilation of the attic space. Proper ventilation is critical for shingle longevity, as it prevents the buildup of heat and moisture that can damage the shingles and other roofing components. Inspectors can check ridge vents, eave vents, and other ventilation systems to ensure proper airflow.
Inspecting the shingles themselves can be challenging, as it is often necessary to walk on the roof to get a good look at all the visible areas. However, this is a dangerous task for people without the proper training and safety equipment, and should only be performed by qualified professionals. During the inspection, it is important to note any areas of buckling or curling, which can allow moisture into the attic and lead to expensive repairs.
It is also a good idea to inspect any areas where there has been recent construction near the home, as this can potentially loosen shingles. Finally, it is essential to check the flashing around any roof features, such as chimneys and vents, to ensure it is secure and free from leaks. Inspectors can check the flashing from the ground by looking for gaps, cracks, or rust.
Inspect Flashing
The exposed areas of a roof’s flashing are highly susceptible to damage and deterioration. These vulnerable spots include window flashing, the intersections of different elevations (roof valleys and corners), and equipment curbs and penthouses. A thorough inspection includes a review of these areas for physical damage and accelerated weathering.
Cracked or broken flashing can be caused by physical damage or inclement weather, and gaps between the flashing and the wall or roof surface can allow water to penetrate a building. A water test can be performed to determine if moisture is penetrating through the flashing. In addition, water stains on the ceiling or walls are an indicator of leaks and should be investigated immediately.
A regular schedule of inspections and repairs can extend the life of a roof’s flashing, as well as prevent costly water intrusion problems. Investing in the proper tools and knowledge can enable a homeowner or professional to quickly address issues with the flashing, such as rust, corrosion, cracks, and gaps.
Roofing tools such as caulking guns, tin snips, and roofing tar are essential for addressing flashing problems. A ladder, harness, and safety goggles are also necessary for working on a roof to ensure the proper safety procedures are followed.
A visual inspection of the flashing should begin at a safe, easily accessible point on the roof, such as the top of a chimney or the roof’s ridge. A good rule of thumb is to inspect the flashing once per season, but if it is being exposed to extreme weather conditions, twice per year may be more appropriate.
If there is a significant amount of rust or corrosion on the flashing, it should be replaced immediately to prevent further damage. A flashing replacement can be done without removing the existing shingles or tiles. To ensure a complete and secure installation, the new flashing should be thoroughly caulked and caulked again around the edges. The caulking should be inspected to make sure it is intact and in good condition. If water is leaking through the flashing, it is likely due to the caulking being degraded or damaged.
