Why Do Roofs Need Regular Maintenance?

Do you worry that neglecting maintenance might shorten the lifespan of your roof or lead to costly repairs? Are you trying to keep your roof in good condition but unsure what “regular maintenance” even means?

At RoofSmart, we do hundreds of maintenance and repair jobs each year. We have seen thousands of instances of leaks and other damage to the roof that could’ve been avoided through regular maintenance and roof inspections.

We understand that life gets busy and most of the time your roof is the last thing on your mind. That’s why we like to educate our customers on the importance of roof maintenance so that they can make the most of their roof’s life.

In this article, you’ll learn the importance of regular maintenance, the different levels of maintenance a roof might need, and the signs that your roof needs maintenance.

By the end of this article, you’ll understand what kind of maintenance your roof needs and when a roofing contractor can help.

Why is regular roof maintenance important?

Performing maintenance on your roof is crucial for maintaining a healthy, well-functioning roof. It can help with:

• Preventing damage to your roof
• Prolonging the life of your roof
• Catching roof issues before they get any worse
• Keeping the warranty on your roof!

Maintaining your roof might seem unimportant or forgettable, but it is essential that you regularly check your roof to make sure that everything is still in good shape (it’s even better if you bring out a roofing contractor!).

Not doing your part to maintain your roof can potentially mean losing insurance coverage or not discovering a leak right away that can cause extensive damage over many years. And even voiding the warranty on your roof.

Think of roof maintenance the same way you think of changing the oil in your car: it’s an important step to make sure that everything keeps functioning properly and prevents damage.

Getting up on the roof is a great way to make sure that your shingles are in good condition and check for any other problems. This way you can call in a roofer if you suspect any problems and they can recommend a repair if needed or help with maintenance.

What level of maintenance do different types of roofs need?

There are different types of maintenance you might need to use depending on the condition of your roof and the type of roofing material you have. Not all roofs need the same kind of maintenance.

There are 3 levels of maintenance that your roof might need, ranging from basic cleaning to specialized treatments. Here are the different levels:

Level 1: Routine Cleaning

This is probably what first comes to mind when you think of roof maintenance. Routine maintenance includes cleaning debris off the roof and out of your gutters. You might have leaves, pine needles, pine cones, or other debris that fell onto your roof from trees.

If you live in the Seattle area, you probably have trees on or around your property, making debris build-up a consistent issue. In particular, many homeowners in this area constantly notice pine needles collecting on their roofs and clogging their gutters.

Asphalt roofs benefit the most from debris removal because debris traps in moisture and can cause the shingles to deteriorate. Shake roofs can also deteriorate or dry out if their coating wears off. Depending on the extent of the damage, this can reduce the life of your roof by several years.

Other roofing materials like metal, synthetic shingles (like Euroshield), or tile won’t deteriorate. Homeowners with these types of roofs only need to get rid of debris to maintain the curb appeal of their homes.

Level 2: Washing Your Roof

If you have a tree that drips sap over your roof or you are sprucing up your home before selling it, you might decide to wash your roof.

This can be dangerous on extra-slippery roofs (like metal). It is also not advisable to wash your roof because it can be abrasive and cause damage. This is especially true for asphalt shingles because high-pressure-washing your roof can ruin the shingles and decrease their lifespan.

If you do need to wash your roof and want to save money by doing it yourself, give it a gentle rinse. Otherwise, you can call in a trusted roofing contractor to clean the roof for you.

Level 3: Treating Your Roof

If your roof is growing moss or algae, you’ll need to treat it to get rid of the growth. You can hire someone to clean off and treat your roof or you can do it yourself. There are treatments you can purchase at the store, but if there’s only a little bit of moss you can try using baking soda.

Moss is bad for the roof because it can damage the shingles and cause leaks. It’s important to remove it as soon as possible.

Asphalt roofs typically come pre-treated for algae, so you really only need to worry about moss. Some metal roofs (like steel) can grow algae.

Shake roofs must be treated about every 5 years to make sure that they don’t grow anything and are protected from fire, moisture, and UV rays. This is usually done by a professional roofing contractor.

What are the signs that my roof needs maintenance or an inspection from a professional roofing contractor?

The first few levels of maintenance can be performed by the homeowner. Clearing debris and rinsing off the roof usually do not require specialized expertise.

But some things might require outside help from a roofer, such as:

• Moss growing on the roof (especially if there is a lot)
• Extensive amounts of algae
• Clearing debris from or washing a roof that is too steep to access on your own

While you have the roofing contractor out there, they can inspect your roof to make sure there are no signs of damage, leaks, or other issues. All roofs should be inspected annually to make sure that everything is working properly. This is an easy way to catch issues early and make repairs before it gets worse.

How can I find a roofing contractor to help with maintenance on my roof?

Roof maintenance isn’t just about keeping things clean—it’s about safeguarding your home and avoiding costly repairs. Whether it’s clearing debris, treating moss, or scheduling an annual inspection, regular care makes all the difference.

A trusted contractor can help you navigate every step, from routine upkeep to handling more complex concerns.

Not sure where to find a reliable roofing contractor who offers maintenance and repair services? Read our article “The 8 Best Roof Repair Contractors in the Seattle Area” to start your search.