Few homeowners give much thought to their roofs until they notice leaks, missing shingles, or other serious signs of trouble. This is a mistake, as proper maintenance can prolong the lifespan of a roof by years. Even if they don’t know the first thing about roofing, homeowners can still brush up on the basics of residential roof maintenance in Minneapolis to help their roofs last longer.
Perform Visual Inspections
Perform a visual inspection of the roof twice each year and once after every storm. Use binoculars to get a better view and look for signs of wear such as damaged shingles and flashing. Try not to walk on the roof to conduct this inspection unless it’s necessary, as it can damage the shingles.
Clean and Maintain Gutters
Gutters direct water and debris away from home, which helps to keep its roof in good shape. Make sure to clean and inspect them at least twice a year, removing any leaves, sticks, or other debris. Clean them after storms, as well.
Do Not Power Wash
When homeowners see signs of moss, mold, or mildew on their shingles their first thought is often to rent a power washer. Ignore that temptation. The pressure can wind up driving damage beneath the shingles and paving the way for future leaks.
Trim Nearby Trees
Falling branches or even just nearby branches scratching at the roofing materials can damage roofs, clog gutters, and lead to leaks. Keep any trees that grow near the house well-trimmed and have overhanging branches cut.
Remove Debris
Leaf litter provides a perfect environment for moss, lichen, and algae. It should be cleaned off the roof each time homeowners clean their gutters.
Replace the Caulk Around Flashings Annually
This is not a hard-and-fast rule. Some homeowners only need to replace their caulk once every two years, while others find that they need to replace it even more often. The bottom line is that if homeowners notice that caulk appears to be lifting up or missing during a roof inspection, it needs to be replaced immediately.
Hire a Professional
By far the most effective way to provide preventative residential roof maintenance in Minneapolis is to hire a roofing pro for periodic inspections, maintenance, and repairs. Contact us to schedule a visit today.
