Your roof is the most vital element in your home, acting as the first line of defense against the weather and the environment. However, it’s like any other room in your house — it requires regular maintenance. Qualified DFW roofers concur that regular upkeep is essential to prolong the life of your roof, minimize expensive repairs, and conserve energy. In this blog, we will delve into the best advice for keeping your roof in the best possible shape year-round.
Spring: Check and Clean After Winter
Now it is spring when you can check how your roof fared over the winter. Snow, ice, and temperature fluctuations can do a lot of damage, particularly if moisture is able to become trapped beneath shingles.
What roofers recommend:
Visual Inspection: Look for missing, damaged, or loose shingles, loose flashing, and evidence of water damage or leaks.
Gutter Cleaning: Clear out any debris that may have built up over the winter. Debris-filled gutters can cause water to back up and damage your roof over time.
Moss and Algae Treatment: Spring is a good time to apply treatments to growths that may have taken hold in the winter. If left untamed, moss can lift up shingles and lead to water penetration.
Check the Attic: Peer inside for signs of leaks, mold, or inadequate ventilation.
Summer: Prevent Heat Damage and Keep it Ventilated
UV rays and high temperatures can have a huge effect on your roofing materials, and it’s possible that asphalt shingles may curl, crack, or degrade faster in intense heat.
What roofers recommend:
Look for Sun Damage: Inspect for fading, brittle shingles, or evidence of UV damage.
Double-Check Ventilation: Hot air trapped in the attic can cut your roof lifespan short and raise cooling bills. Ensure vents are free-moving and operational.
Cut Back Overhanging Branches: Trees overhead can scar roofs or fall on them in summer storms, causing unwarranted damage.
Fall: Prepare for Rain or Snow
As the leaves start dropping and the weather gets cooler, autumn is an important time for roof maintenance. Here are a few tips to get your roof ready for heavier rain and colder weather.
What roofers recommend:
Leaf and Debris Disposal: Routinely remove leaves and other debris from your roof and gutters to avoid water buildup and ice dam creation.
Check Flashings and Sealants: Confirm that your, roof penetrations like chimneys, skylights, and vents are all completely sealed. Bad flashing is a frequent cause of leaks.
Check Insulation: Decent insulation helps to prevent heat from seeping into the attic — and that heat can be an ice dam culprit.
Hire Expert DFW Roofers: A lot of DFW roofers recommend professional roof inspections once a year, in the fall, to help spot problems before winter arrives.
Winter: Monitor and Protect
Your roof takes a beating in the winter. Snow load, ice dams, and extremely cold temperatures are all potential culprits and can be especially damaging to roofs that are older.
What roofers recommend:
Clear Heavy Snow Loads: If snow accumulates more than a foot, you will need to use a roof rake to safely pull it away from the edges. Overweight a roof and you can overstress the roof structure.
Pay Attention To Ice Dams: These occur when warm attic air melts snow, and snow refreezes at the eaves. By blocking melting snow and ice, ice dams drive water beneath shingles and into your home.
Fix Leaks Promptly: When you notice water stains on ceilings or walls, call a roofer like 911 Exteriors Roofing & Construction to salvage what you can and prevent further damage.
Don’t Walk On Your Roof: Slippery materials can be dangerous and stepping on deteriorated shingles can cause damage.
Hire the Best DFW Roofers for Seasonal Roof Maintenance
911 Exteriors Roofing & Construction is a trusted roofer in DFW offering a wide range of roofing services including preventative maintenance. Check our website for more information.
