Routine roof maintenance should occur twice a year—once in spring and again in fall. If roofing issues are neglected, wintertime can exacerbate any damage, resulting in more costly repair expenses come spring.
Complete the following tasks while the weather is still mild and snow isn’t piling up:
- Clear off debris. While leaves may not weigh a ton individually, an accumulated pile can add pressure on the roof. Take time to remove debris from the roof’s surface, including small pieces of dirt, pine needles and leaves. These materials can hold moisture, rot or mold, causing roofing materials to break down.
- Check for early signs of deterioration. Over time, all types of weather can cause a roof to deteriorate significantly, including small rainstorms and gusts of wind. Consistently checking for early signs of degradation can ensure problems aren’t neglected and allowed to turn into more significant issues.
Clean the gutters. Gutters filled with leaves and debris can overflow during rainstorms, thus damaging the roof, membrane, trim and siding. Thoroughly cleaning the gutters and ridding them of buildup can reduce the risk of severe issues and keep maintenance costs lower. Replacing or restructuring an entire gutter can be a costly endeavor.- Inspect the inside of the building. Inspect attics regularly to ensure that developing issues don’t go unnoticed. If light is shining through the attic anywhere the roof should be, address and repair it immediately.
- Evaluate membrane conditions. A structurally sound roof is less prone to leaks and damages. While a roof may look great from afar, there may be issues that can only be discovered by closely inspecting all flashings and sealants around the sides, rooftop unit, skylight and other projections.
Clean the gutters. Gutters filled with leaves and debris can overflow during rainstorms, thus damaging the roof, membrane, trim and siding. Thoroughly cleaning the gutters and ridding them of buildup can reduce the risk of severe issues and keep maintenance costs lower. Replacing or restructuring an entire gutter can be a costly endeavor.Roofs are subjected to the elements year-round. Identifying roof damage early on can allow for timely maintenance so it can quickly return to its pristine condition. For more home risk management, to review your home insurance policy, or to request your free home insurance quote, contact Bassler & Co. Insurance Agency. You can reach us by phone at (847) 480-0800 or online at http://www.basslerins.com/.
Source: www.zywave.com