A Homeowner’s Guide To Roof Maintenance
Extend The Lifespan Of Your Roof Before Your Next
Seattle Roof Replacement
The roof is one of the most critical aspects of your home – it protects you from all the elements, helps regulate temperature, and guards your belongings and your family against harm.
Given that a roof is positioned above your head at all times, it’s imperative to ensure the structure is sound and properly maintained. Getting a Seattle roof replacement isn’t always the necessary course of action – especially with a properly maintained roof.
We’ve consolidated an assortment of tips, tricks, and general roof maintenance advice into a helpful 10-point guide you can keep for future reference. This guide will be beneficial for all responsible homeowners when scheduling proper roofing inspections and maintenance checks.
And if you decide you’d rather leave maintenance to the experts, we’re here to help with that too.
1. Do You Spot Moss, Fungus, And Algae?
Growth on your roof is always a clear indication things are not looking good in the moisture department. These growths may indicate your attic has been infiltrated by wood-rotting growth and is allowing too much moisture inside.
The easy fix is buying roof cleaning materials from your local hardware store to clean the growth on your own. Keep in mind, though, that simply cleaning will not completely solve the issue, and you will eventually have to inspect the attic for moisture to get to the root cause.
2. Check Flashing And Caulk If Necessary
Roof flashing is an often overlooked aspect of your roof that, when ignored, may lead to an earlier Seattle roof replacement than anticipated. These vital areas are put in potentially vulnerable positions on your roof, so it’s imperative to inspect them for small holes and damage.
While they should usually be durable, we recommend caulking the affected areas in the event they need repairing.
3. Check Attic For Ventilation And Insulation
Ensuring your roof is adequately ventilated and insulated will go a long way in preventing any unexpected moisture and rotting problems leading to a premature Seattle roof replacement.
Make it a point to occasionally see how your roof is doing in this area by inspecting your attic periodically.
4. Check Attic For Mold And Other Growth
While in your attic, inspect dark areas and corners, making sure there is no moldy growth occurring, as this is one of the most dangerous things for your roof that would lead to needing a Seattle roof replacement.
5. Trim Nearby Branches That May Be Scratching
Or Falling On Your Roof
Tree branches constantly scraping your shingles can significantly decrease their lifespan. That’s why we recommend trimming any trees above and within proximity of your roof.
You don’t want heavy branches falling on your roof in a storm. The potential risk for damage would surely lead to an immediate need for a Seattle roof replacement
6. Clean Gutters Regularly
Clogged gutters will impede rainwater from properly flowing down your roof. Water damage can occur when a buildup occurs – with excess seeping into your attic and home. To properly maintain your roof, you must consistently clean your gutters and keep the flow of water moving smoothly.
7. Inspect Gutters For Significant Granule Deposits
Another trick to see if your roof is nearing a necessary Seattle roof replacement is to closely inspect the gutters for not just naturally occurring debris – but for shingle granules.
If you see a significant build-up of these, it may indicate you need to have your roof replaced soon.
8. Metal Roofing Rust Removal
Unless your metal roof is of excellent top-notch quality, rusting may be an unfortunate reality you may have to face for your Seattle roof.
In the event of rust on your metal roof, we recommend immediate removal with industrial materials.
9. Check For Damaged, Curling, Or Missing Shingles
Damaged shingles may not always be cause for alarm since individual shingles can easily be replaced.
We recommend repairing any damaged shingles as soon as possible to avoid damage to lower layers of your roofing system.
10. When In Doubt, Contact An Expert To Inspect
Ultimately, an average homeowner can only do so much – we’re all busy, right? If you find yourself overwhelmed with all of the smaller tasks involved in inspecting and maintaining a roof, it can never hurt to have true roofing professionals inspect it every once in a while.
Contact The Seattle Roof Replacement Nerds
At RoofSmart™ For More Expert Advice
Luckily, Seattle is home to one of the best roofing experts – RoofSmart™. With a near-perfect rating on Google reviews, a trusted team of experts, and an insane demand for the highest quality possible – RoofSmart™ can answer any remaining question about maintaining your roof.
Contact RoofSmart™ at (206)487-4877 by phone to speak with a friendly and knowledgeable representative – alternatively, you can fill out this convenient online contact form to immediately get in touch for your Seattle roof replacement and maintenance questions today!
