Homeowners Guide To Roof Maintenance (2023 Update)

You maintain your car by getting regular oil changes, maintain your health by going to the doctor each year, and maintain your friendships by regularly catching up. There are dozens of things in life that we need to maintain— but have you ever considered the same for your roof?

That’s right; since your roof is one of the largest investments you make in the integrity of your home, it’s important to keep up with regular maintenance & repairs. Let’s explore why roof maintenance is vital and 5 tips you can perform yourself.

Why Roof Maintenance Is Essential

Your roof is constantly being bombarded by the sun, wind, rain, and snow. Over time, these extreme weather conditions take a toll on your roof’s shingles and can cause serious damage.

In fact, if you live in an area with severe weather conditions, it’s recommended that you have your roof inspected by a professional at least once a year. But even if you live in an area with more moderate weather, it’s still important to inspect your roof regularly for any potential damage.

5 DIY Roof Maintenance Tips

There are a few tasks you can take on yourself to keep your roof maintained. Some of the more accessible projects for homeowners are:

• Cleaning the gutters
• Keeping trees trimmed
• Checking on attic ventilation
• Removing snow and ice
• Scheduling professional maintenance

1) Clean Your Gutters 🧹

Your gutters play an important role in keeping your roof healthy. When leaves, twigs, and other debris build up in your gutters, it can cause water to back up and seep under your shingles.

Clogged gutters can lead to serious damage like:

• Leaks
• Mold
• Rot

To avoid this, make sure you clean your gutters regularly— we recommend a gutter cleaning at least twice a year. And if you don’t already have gutter guards installed, they are fantastic for minimizing built-up debris.

2) Keep Trees Trimmed 🌳✂️

If you have trees near your home, it’s important to keep them trimmed. Branches that extend over your roof can break off during storms, causing damage to your shingles.

You should trim the branches every time they begin to extend towards your roof. If the tree branches aren’t too high, you can trim them yourself.

However, if you have particularly tall trees, you should hire a professional tree trimmer to stay safe and protect your trees.

3) Check on Attic Ventilation 🌬️

Your attic should be properly ventilated to protect your roof from damage. When heat and moisture build-up in your attic, it can cause the shingles on your roof to deteriorate.

To ensure proper ventilation, make sure there is an equal balance of intake and exhaust vents in your attic. You should also check that the vents are clear of any obstructions.

If you notice spikes in your energy bills or physically feel drafts of warm or cold air, these are signs that your attic ventilation needs improvement. You may need to add more roof vents, add more insulation, or clear blockages away from the vents.

4) Remove Icicles and Snow Buildup ❄️

In areas where snow and ice are common, it’s important to remove these elements from your roof regularly. If they’re left to melt and freeze on your roof, they can cause serious damage like ice dams.

The best way to remove snow and ice is with a roof rake. Start by clearing the area around your gutters so that the water can drain properly. Then, use the roof rake to carefully remove the snow and ice from your roof.

5) Schedule Annual Professional Maintenance 📅

Even if you take on some of the tasks yourself, it’s important to schedule professional maintenance for your roof regularly. A professional roofer will be able to spot potential problems and fix them before they cause serious damage.

Most experts recommend having your roof inspected at least once a year— more often if you live in an area with severe weather conditions.

Professional Maintenance vs. DIY

Are there instances where you should leave roof maintenance entirely to the professionals? While it is recommended for homeowners to keep up with the maintenance tasks on this list, there are plenty of reasons why it may not be achievable. Perhaps you:

• Don’t feel comfortable or aren’t physically able to climb ladders
• Have a busy schedule that keeps you away from your home
• Are fearful of voiding warranties or causing damage

If you’re experiencing any of these reasons or something else entirely, you may want to keep roof maintenance out of your hands.

However, you shouldn’t completely neglect roof maintenance if you don’t feel comfortable performing it yourself. Instead, schedule regular inspections with a professional roofing contractor.

In fact, some roofing companies have monthly maintenance plans you can sign up for. Typically these plans allow a professional to check on your roof each month for a monthly or annual fee. This is a great way to keep your roof in top condition and catch any necessary repairs before they get worse.

Plus, a professional can catch and fix issues that most homeowners can’t see or don’t have the training to solve, such as:

• Moss and algae growth
• Broken or loose shingles
• Damaged flashing
• Roof leaks

Schedule Roof Maintenance With ARCH Exteriors

There’s no hiding that roof maintenance is an essential task for homeowners. As such an expensive and integral structure that keeps your home, family, and belongings protected from inclement weather and pests, it’s vital to ensure your roof stays in top condition for as long as possible.

If you want a professional team to handle your annual maintenance, or if you have any suspicions about roof damage at any point, give the ARCH Exteriors crew a call. We provide honest and high-quality roofing services to homeowners in Maryland and Virginia.We’d love to lend a helping hand— reach out today to schedule an appointment!