Tips for all Roof Types

• Check all gutters and downspouts to make sure water is flowing freely.
• Clean out all roof drains and gutters from spring time flower blossoms.
• If your roof is over 10 years old or you suspect that your roof is aging badly, inspect it from the ground during an intense wind storm. Look specifically for shingle lift -- this is an indication that the shingle adhesive strip is no longer doing its job, exposing your roof to potential leaks and shingle blow off.
• Moss on your roof can be removed by either sweeping it off while it is wet OR by first applying a roof moss killer product (not "yard moss killer") available at local hardware stores and then sweeping it off once the moss has been killed.
• Never walk or sit on your ridge shingles if you have continuous ridge ventilation.
• Pressure washing your roof: We do NOT recommend pressure washing roofs. If you have asphalt shingles, pressure washing will potentially remove the granules which are the shingle's sunscreen material. If you lose that sunscreen layer, you are exposing the asphalt shingle to harsh UV rays which will start premature aging and the shingles will become brittle. If you have cedar shingles, pressure washing them will basically remove the top, aged layer making your shingle thinner and also requiring you to treat the newly exposed cedar so it will once again repel rain water.

Flat / Torch Down Roofs Tips

• Due to summer heat, try to do any roof inspections early in the morning when it is cooler so you prevent causing damage to the torch down bitumen.
• After strong wind storms, inspect your roof for membrane uplift around perimeters and elevation changes.
• Torch down and hot tar roof surfaces should be checked for deep cracking, similar to alligator skin as this is an indication that the roof is nearing its life expectancy.
• Every five years, be sure to apply an aluminum-based coating in order to protect the roof from UV degradation.

Note: Your safety is of primary importance. The following are some tips to look out for on your roof. We recommend you use a professional to inspect and maintain your roof as they will take proper safety measures when accessing your roof. If you insist on doing your own roof inspection or maintenance, at the very least make sure you tell someone of your intentions because if you do fall, you could be incapacitated for a long time before someone is aware of your problem.

Tags: roof maintenance| tips| roofing| gutter cleaning| summer| spring| moss removal| roof inspection