Autumn is here, as you can tell by the brilliant colors and brisk temperatures. If you have an asphalt roof, this is the perfect time to perform a check-up on your roof. It’s much better to find and fix small issues now before they become big, expensive problems during the upcoming winter season.
For most, the roof is definitely an “out of sight, out of mind” part of your home. However, since your roof plays such a integral role in protecting your family regular inspection and DIY maintenance can go a long way.
Follow these 3 tips this week in order to ensure your roof is healthy enough to withstand the upcoming Michigan winter.
Tip 1: Evaluate the exterior shingles
You can actually complete a pretty thorough inspection of your roof surface from the ground. This won’t give you a complete picture of each shingle’s health, but you can spot small issues without having to get up onto your roof. During this check you should look for:
- Missing, moved or cracked shingles
- Curling shingle edges
- Nails visibly coming up from the surface
- Uneven, buckling or sagging surface
- Excessive loss of asphalt granules
- Discoloration of roof shingles
- Lots of debris accumulation (leafs, sticks, etc)
Depending on the elevation of your roof, you may not be able to inspect your roof as thoroughly as you’d like from the ground, even using binoculars. Also, not all roof issues are visually obvious – leaks and other problems can be invisible to the naked eye. Whether you have a problem you are looking to get inspected or if you have just general roofing questions, be sure to contact Pro Home Improvement for help.
Tip 2: Inspect the roof decking, house ceiling and attic
While inside your home, look around for any evidence of roof leaks. This can appear as spots, water marks or more significant damage such as drywall starts to disintegrate.
Next, look inside your attic for proper ventilation and any signs of water buildup. Insulation, condensation on the underside of the roof deck, rust near vents or odors that smell like mildew result from bad or nonexistent ventilation. This can shorten the life of your shingles and roof deck.
Another quick place to look is near the roof nails for excessive moisture buildup leading to rust.
Tip 3: Leaf and Debris Removal from your Gutters and Valleys
Gutters and valleys are notorious for accumulating leaves, sticks and other junk that floats around in the air. Any significant buildup can hold moisture against shingles and gutters, causing them to weigh more and that can lead to shingles to failing sooner. Be sure to pull them off safely, don’t use something that can dislodge a lot of granules like high pressure water or air. The best method for preserving your roof and gutter is to use a ladder and reach your hand inside and pull out the junk. Always use a ladder partner to support your ladder and never exceed the loading requirements of the ladder.
Regular maintenance is crucial to the lifespan and durability of your roof so be sure to at least check out your roof twice per year (Fall and Spring) and every season and after every major storm if possible. Pro Home Improvement can help consult on any roofing or home issues you might find during the course of your fall roof inspections. Be sure to call us at 888-776-1998 or get a free estimate.