We’re almost one month into 2024. Despite the cold, it’s the perfect time to get started on your home maintenance plans, starting with the roof. Read on as local roofing company, Chase Roofing LLC, shares some roofing maintenance tips.
1. Conduct a visual inspection. You’re not expected to climb your roof and perform a maintenance check up close — you’d be putting yourself at risk of injury — but you can perform a visual inspection from the safety of your yard. Train your good set of binoculars on the roof, keeping an eye out for signs of damage such as cracked, loose or missing shingles. If you have a metal roof, look for signs of punctures or peeling outer coatings. Make sure that you note any problem that you find, and have a roofer fix it as soon as possible.
2. Clean your gutters. If you haven’t done so, have your gutters cleaned. Leaves and debris can clog the gutters, which can lead to problems down the line. Standing water can cause corrosion, and can exert pressure on the gutter troughs as it freezes. During warmer seasons, trapped moisture in the detritus can make it a breeding ground for insects. All of this is preventable with regular cleaning.
3. Trim the trees and vegetation. If you have trees on your property, you’ll want to keep them trimmed. In addition to helping keep the gutters clean, trimmed trees are also less likely to cause scratches on the rooftop. On an asphalt shingle roof, scratches can expose the backing material to UV radiation, while on a metal roof, scratches can leave the roof vulnerable to corrosion. We recommend hiring a professional arborist if you don’t know how to trim tree branches without harming the tree.
4. Inspect the attic. Make sure that the attic is receiving as much attention as the outside — make sure it’s getting enough ventilation and is properly insulated. If the air feels too warm and too humid as you climb the attic, chances are it’s not getting enough ventilation. You may also notice “sweat” on the attic walls. Damaged insulation can be easily identified, as there would be holes or clumped spots where the insulating material should be. Fortunately, these issues can be fixed without dismantling the roof.
If you do find roofing problems during your maintenance routine, give Chase Roofing LLC a call at (757) 872-0700 or (757) 206-1948. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation quote. We serve Hampton, VA, and the surrounding communities.
