A well-maintained roof contributes to energy efficiency in a building. By addressing leaks and gaps that allow conditioned air to escape or external air to infiltrate, roofers help reduce heating and cooling costs.

Small roofing problems can quickly become major issues that require costly repairs or a full roof replacement. Routine maintenance allows professionals to spot these problems early on and address them before they escalate.

The first step in roof maintenance is to remove any debris that has piled up. This could be pine needles, dead leaves, or any other kind of accumulated trash that has collected on the surface of your roof. Debris can cause leaks if left long enough, so it’s important to remove any accumulation of debris on a regular basis.

If you feel comfortable getting on your roof, this is something that you can do yourself using a broom or leaf blower, depending on the size of the piles of debris. However, if you’re not comfortable with this or don’t have the proper tools, it’s best to leave this type of work to professionals.

If your home has just had new roofing installed, Bert Roofing can clear the attic of any sitting debris left from the installation process with a powerful handheld blower. This includes sawdust, any loose granules from the shingles, and anything that fell into your gutters during installation. We’ll also blow out your downspouts to ensure there are no blockages. This is an essential step in keeping animals out of your attic, which can destroy the interior of your home and create a biohazard with their waste.

Cleaning the Attic

The attic is a storage space and insulation zone, and it’s important to clean it on a regular basis. This helps ensure a safe environment, enhances the efficiency of your home and protects against damage caused by pests or moisture.

The first step in cleaning the attic is to remove and dispose of all boxes, bags and furniture from the space. This makes it easier to sort through and clean all surfaces. Once the attic is cleared, a non-invasive cleaning solution or disinfectant should be applied to any areas covered with urine or fecal droppings. Let the solution sit for five minutes, then wipe it down using a paper towel. Discard the used paper towels in a trash can with a lid (an outside garbage can is best) and wash your hands.

After the attic is cleaned, it should be vacuumed or swept. This will remove any dust or spores that have accumulated, which can lead to poor indoor air quality. It’s a good idea to use a broom to clear any large debris that could clog the vacuum cleaner unless you have a shop vac. Be sure to empty the vacuum bag or dust cup frequently.

If you find mold or mildew, this is a serious problem that needs to be addressed right away. These toxins can spread throughout the house, causing health problems for those with respiratory conditions or allergies. Mold and mildew also can deteriorate the shingles on your roof and cause leaks.

Moisture in the attic can occur from changes in temperature, improper ventilation, blocked chimneys or pipes, faulty skylights and even water in the foundation. A professional can help identify moisture sources and prevent mold or rot from growing in the attic.

After the attic is cleaned, all the vents should be inspected and checked for blockage. This includes soffit vents and chimneys, as well as ridge vents. If the baffles that are located under ridge vents are not in place, they should be installed. All bath fans should also be vented to the outside through a roof vent.

Trimming Tree Branches

Trees can add beauty and value to a property, but they can also pose a risk if branches or limbs grow too close to the roof. These limbs can easily break during a storm, sending debris falling onto the roof and potentially damaging it.

Regular trimming by a certified arborist can reduce this danger. In addition, it can help protect the health of your trees, ensuring they will remain strong and healthy for years to come.

Ideally, you should aim for a minimum clearance of 6 to 10 feet between your roof and tree branches. This will prevent physical contact and reduce the risk of branches falling during a storm.

If you’re unsure of how far away from the roof to trim, consult with a professional tree service. They will have the necessary tools to remove a branch without damaging your roof or the rest of the tree. They can also help identify any issues with the branches and limbs, reducing your chances of damage during future storms.

When trimming a branch, make your first cut on the underside, about an inch from the branch collar. Then, make another cut about an inch further out on the limb. This technique will encourage the branch to break off on its own instead of tearing the shingles underneath it.

You should also keep an eye out for signs of a sick or dying tree, such as discolored leaves, fungus growing on the bark, and holes in the trunk. If you notice any of these problems, it’s important to take action quickly before the tree falls on your home.

In many areas, homeowners have the legal right to trim branches that overhang their property up to the property line. However, it’s important to check local ordinances and regulations before taking any action to ensure you’re following all required rules and guidelines.

Repairing Leaks

When leaks are left unattended, they can damage insulation and other building components, cause interior water damage, reduce energy efficiency, and eventually lead to structural failure. Identifying and addressing these problems early can save you a lot of money in repairs and potential losses due to damaged equipment or inventory.

Leaks can occur in a variety of ways, but most often are caused by a problem with the roof flashing. Flashing is the metal that directs rainwater away from certain areas of a roof, and it is one of the most critical roofing components. Leaks typically show up on ceilings or walls in places where the flashing has become loose or deteriorated over time, and you might find puddles forming on the roof or dark spots in the ceiling or wall.

If you find a leak, first use a ladder to inspect the exterior of the roof, looking for curled or torn shingles or exposed fasteners and checking the condition of shingle valleys. You also need to examine the attic, checking for a buildup of mold or mildew, wet insulation and drywall, and any dark or damp areas in rafters or at points where two planes meet.

During your inspection, make sure to trim tree branches that hang over the roof and may break off during a heavy storm. In addition, check the condition of flashing around chimneys, vents, skylights and other penetrations, making sure they are tight and properly sealed. If you see cracks or gaps, this is a good time to apply new caulk or replace the flashing.

If you’re comfortable working on a ladder, you can do some preventative maintenance in the summer to keep your roof in good shape all year round. These simple tasks can help you avoid costly repairs and extend the life of your roof, so make them a part of your regular roof maintenance routine.