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Roofing Maintenance Tips

Roof maintenance in Arizona

When the weather starts to cool down in Arizona, most people take this time to do indoor cleaning, yard maintenance, and other household projects. Many homeowners take extra time to fix up their landscaping, clean the garage, and get ready for the new season. However, rarely do people remember to add the roof to the cleaning checklist. It is important to not forget or neglect our rooftops, especially after a cold winter or particularly rainy monsoon season. Here are just a few roof maintenance tips for homeowners in Arizona.

Inspect Shingles Thoroughly Each Season 

Each season has its own set of issues due to the typical weather patterns that exist at that time. In addition to extreme solar damage and probable rain damage, hot, humid months often bring monsoons and the possibility of leaks from roof damage. As a result, it’s crucial that you do a complete check of your roofing components every season, including your shingles. Check the shingles for severe wear or damage, noting any that are completely gone and require replacement. Examine your vent pipes and the caulk around the flashing for integrity. Any locations with moss or lichen should be noted since they may have the potential for material deterioration.

Trim Trees

Property safety is one of the many reasons why it is important to trim your trees. Trees with overgrown, dead, diseased, or infested branches pose a risk to your property and your home. The risks increase during heavy winds or severe storms because the limbs can fall easily and cause damage by scratching, gouging, or puncturing your roof system. Maintaining trimmed trees around your home can help extend the lifespan of your roof.

Clean Gutters

Gutters are an integral part of your home. Their function is to allow a controlled flow of rainwater to protect the roof, walls, foundation, and landscape of your home. If ignored, gutters can turn from a necessity to a costly headache. Things like leaves, sticks, and other debris can clog your home’s gutters; if not cleaned, the gutters can cause roof leaks or water damage in the interior or exterior of your home. It is recommended to have gutters cleaned at least twice a year (in spring and fall). Most homeowners take it upon themselves to clean the gutters. If you decide to do it yourself make sure you are always taking the necessary safety precautions, or you can always call in a professional to get it done.

Prevent Roof Algae and Moss

Even if you can’t see any issues on the surface, that doesn’t necessarily mean there aren’t any hidden problems. Things that may appear to only be an aesthetic problem, for example, can make your roof appear blotchy and stained with dark blue and green splotches on parts of your roof. We are talking about algae or moss on your roof, and it can greatly decrease the life of your roof. You may have to get a roof replacement sooner than you expected. If left untreated, moss and algae buildup can lead to shingle and gutter damage as well.

Annual Moss, Lichen, and Algae Treatment 

The growth of moss, lichen, and algae on your roof can result in significant damage and a generally unpleasant appearance. This frequently happens in shaded regions of your roof during the warmer months. By having a professional roof cleaner clean your roof, you can eliminate these growths with ease. Applying preventive treatments with zinc and copper will stop the moss, lichen, and algae from returning once your roof is clean and dry. These treatments efficiently prevent the growth of any substances on your shingles when administered yearly.

Visual Inspections from the Ground

It’s important to do frequent roof inspections, which you can do by yourself or hire a professional roofing company to do. Look for the following problem areas to see if you have roof damage:

Make Certain Your Attic Is Well Insulated 

Without adequate insulation, any ice that has built up on your roof will begin to melt at the base, causing the water to refreeze around your shingles. The process of melting an ice dam on your roof, which keeps water from properly flowing from the gutters, can swiftly inflict significant harm to the roof’s shingles and structure. By preventing heat from your home from escaping through the roof, the insulation in your attic aids in preventing this damage. This problem may be greatly avoided by adding high-quality insulation, such R-49 and R-60, to your attic area. 

Recognize How Sun Exposure Affects Your Roof 

Over time, sunlight may have a harmful effect on the state of your roof. UV rays constantly strike roofing materials in locations with excessive sunlight, burning them up and evaporating their protective oils. But without enough sunlight, moss, algae, and lichen development are far more likely. Understanding how sunlight, or lack thereof, impacts the state of your roof may help you and a roofing specialist to reduce those effects. 

Regularly Clean the Leaves and Debris Off Your Roof 

By clearing away roof debris, you may successfully guard your house against harm and even stop the development of moss, lichen, and algae. Even after severe storms, your gutters won’t be able to capture all of the leaves and other material that can fall onto your roof. As a result, it’s crucial to frequently inspect your roof for debris and remove it as soon as possible.

Roofing Maintenance Tips from Capstone Roofing

The best person to decide whether to repair or replace your roof is a professional. The greatest choice you can make as a homeowner in terms of roof care is to rely on a specialist in residential roofing. There are several benefits to hiring a professional for your house, but probably the most significant benefit is peace of mind. Experts in roofing are knowledgeable individuals who know what to look for, how to operate with all varieties of roofing, and how to maintain meticulous work ledgers. This provides you peace of mind that the experts will know what to do and what has been done to keep your roof enduring, regardless of the roof your property has.

If you determine that you need a professional to assist with your roof, don’t hesitate to call us! Capstone Roofing can do a roof inspection at any time, and if you need to do roofing repairs, or even do a complete roof replacement, we are here.

published on Saturday, August 13th, 2022