At Legacy Exteriors, one of our favorite projects is new roof installation.
That said, we’re also big proponents of helping Dane County homeowners keep their roofs in tip-top shape, so the life of their current asphalt or metal roofing can be extended.
Before we get started with the DIY list of keeping your roof healthy, it’s important to determine whether or not you are actually willing and able to perform the inspection, clean up, maintenance and potential repairs. If you are, read on. If not, consider hiring a local, reputable roofing company to come out and at least perform a roof inspection on your home. If you do this, keep in mind that you should NEVER have to pay for a professional roof inspection, which is why our inspections are always complimentary.
If you do choose to perform the following tips yourself, make sure you have the proper equipment, gear, and physical ability to do the work — and that you have a spotter for your ladder. Otherwise, we recommend hiring a professional.
Roof Inspection
To perform a proper roof inspection, you’ll want to be on the lookout for some specific things, including:
- Curling or shrinking shingles
- Shingles are discolored
- Missing shingles
- Holes caused by pests, or by tree branches
- Sagging shingles along the ridge or other areas
- You see moss or algae growth
- Shingles that have lost granules, or you see granules in your gutters
Any of these is a sign that you should consult with a roofing contractor to discuss repair.
Other things to be on the lookout for that could indicate an issue with your roof include: peeling or cracked paint inside your home, water damage on your ceiling or in your attic, a big increase in your energy bill, and loose or damaged flashing by skylights, chimneys, etc.
Remove Debris
Removal of debris — both small and large — from the roof can go a long way in slowing erosion. Plus removing debris from the roof means your gutters won’t be gunked up by things like leaves and twigs. Debris removal is also important because debris can add extra weight to the roof, which with the event of a large snowfall, can lead to sagging. Plus, debris can serve as areas for ice to form, which can damage your roof.
Clean Your Gutters
Remember to do this AFTER you clean the roof, so you don’t dirty up clean gutters. You’ll find the usual suspects in the gutters: twigs, leaves, asphalt roof granules, etc. And if the gutters are backed up, you might find things like mold or even mosquitos (they breed in pools of water). In addition to cleaning the gutters, make sure you test and clean the downspouts, which can sometimes get clogged and stop functioning properly. Options to clean gutters include an old spatula, or a scoop made for gutter cleaning from the local hardware store (or online). Since clogged gutters can cause damage to roofing, siding and trim of your home, it’s important to keep them clear and in good shape. One thing we haven’t talked about with gutters yet is the pitch, which is the angle a gutter follows to ensure proper drainage. Making sure the pitch is right, and that the gutters are attached properly to the roof, will also help keep your home healthy.
Gutter Guards to the Rescue!
Gutter guards do exactly what the name implies — they guard your gutters from getting gunked up with debris. At Legacy, we typically use Master Shield Gutter Guards, which are simply fantastic.
Check for Leakage
Although we mentioned this earlier, it’s worth repeating and expanding upon as roof leakage can cause major problems in a home. Tell tale signs can be mold and/or water spots on walls or the ceiling of your home. In addition, checking the attic for leakage (which will typically present as mold, mildew and/or fungi) is also a good idea. From the outside of your home, if you see water pooling and draining on the roof, or spot cracks, there might be a leak.
Inspect Your Attic for Proper Insulation & Ventilation
Before the cold Wisconsin weather sets in, check the insulation in your attic. In addition to making sure it’s free of mold, also make sure it is all intact — and that there’s enough insulation evenly distributed throughout the attic. You’ll also want to check to make sure the attic is well ventilated. A poorly insulated or ventilated attic can lead to a melting/freezing cycle, which can cause problems like ice dams, damaging your roof. Find more on attic care here.
Make Time for Repairs
Making any necessary roof repairs before the Wisconsin winter sets in is key in keeping the overall health of your house intact. That said, if it’s already winter and you haven’t made your repairs, we can help. Legacy Exteriors works on roof repair and roof replacement projects year round, so just let us know if you need assistance! Regardless of who’s doing the work, having your roofing repaired ASAP will be less costly in the long run.
Need a roof inspection?
Feel free to contact Legacy Exteriors anytime to schedule a complimentary inspection, or to ask questions. We’re happy to help!
