As a homeowner, knowing how to care for your roof might be over your head (pun intended). Since your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, you need to include it in your regular maintenance to-do list.
Neglecting your roof can lead to structural issues and costly damage, meaning you won’t get the most out of your roof’s possible lifespan. Here are seven parts of your roof that benefit from regular maintenance and repair.
SHINGLES
Asphalt shingles have a lifespan of 15-30 years, which varies depending on factors like the weather and how often maintenance is done. To help your roof last as long as possible, regularly — seasonally, if possible —- inspect your shingles for damage. Look for cracking, curled, or missing shingles, then repair or replace them.
SOFFIT
Soffit, the material that covers the underside of your roof overhang, serves an important function of protecting the rafters, which protect your home. Regularly make sure that your soffit isn’t cracking, rotting, rusting, fading in color, or tearing.
Luckily, cleaning it is simple. Just use a soft bristle brush and rinse your soffit with water. For a deeper clean, mix detergent and warm water. If you have mildew, add a small amount of bleach to the mix. Then, use a pressure washer with the spray tip on. If you don’t have a pressure washer, your garden hose will do the trick.
FASCIA
Fascia board holds the gutters in place and is on the underside of the roof overhang. Fascia can be cleaned the same way as soffit. If your fascia is made of wood, check how much it has decayed to determine if it needs to be replaced. If your fascia is made of PVC, fiber cement, or aluminum, it will be more durable.
FLASHING
Flashing is a critical part of your roof because it prevents water damage. Check if it’s loose and make sure there are no leaks. The screws holding it in place may become loose over time, so check that everything is secure. Flashing can be cleaned with a simple homemade solution of soapy water and vinegar. Every once in a while, you should redo the caulking around the outside of your flashing.
VENTILATION
Poor ventilation can lead to trouble like moisture damage and the formation of ice dams in the winter. It’s important to understand what kind of ventilation your roof has. Your roof could have ridge vents, a turbine roof vent, a power roof vent, or a solar roof vent. Make sure your roof’s ventilation system is examined during a roof inspection.
GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS
Gutters play an important role in preventing water damage to your roof, and therefore protecting your home. Start cleaning near the downspout. The first thing you should do is remove any leaves and other debris. Remove any remaining bits by flushing out your gutters with water using the spray nozzle of your hose. Make sure the water is draining quickly. If not, there could be something blocking the downspout. As you do this, check for any leaks at the seams of your gutters.
CHIMNEYS AND SKYLIGHTS
Don’t forget about other accessories that are part of your roof like chimneys and skylights. Chimneys and skylights will remain in the best shape when cleaned professionally, but there are also a few steps you can take on your own.
Before working on your chimney, close your fireplace. Start by using a chimney brush to clean off debris and soot. Make sure your chimney doesn’t need any repairs — look for cracked or missing bricks and anything else that looks unusual. Make sure your chimney is waterproof by adding a water sealant or repellant to the outside.
For skylights, look for water damage, mold, and leaks. You can clean your skylight from the inside with water and a glass cleaning product.
GET WHAT YOU NEED AT MILLER’S
At Miller’s Building Supply, we carry the tools and materials you need for regular roof maintenance. Check out our online catalog or stop in and see us at 1819 East Monroe in Goshen.