Here are some year round tips for maintaining a house roof in New England:
Summer to do’s to keep your roof in good shape:
Keep an eye on your shingles: Inspect your roof regularly for any missing or damaged shingles and/or roof sealant. Simply cleaning shingles and keeping them free of dirt can also reduce the risk for algae, moss, fungal and lichen growth that can compromise your roof’s integrity.
Replace sealant as needed: Inspect every area of the roof where there is sealant and identify any signs of cracking or wear and tear. If present, you will need to remove the old sealant completely and apply new sealant in each area.
Trim overhanging branches: Be on the lookout for trees that are growing near your home. If there are branches hanging too closely to or directly above your roof, they need trimming. Falling leaves will collect on the roof, retain moisture and then start to rot your tiles, making them much weaker.
Clean your gutters: Gutters that clog up can cause a lot of damage to your roof. Water accumulating on gutters can easily make its way underneath your roofing structure. By keeping your gutters clean and in good repair, you ensure they can serve their intended purpose, alleviating any immediate dangers to your roof in the process.
Limit moss & algae growth: Environmental factors can contribute to moss and algae growth on your roof, including a north-facing roof (if you live in the northern hemisphere), lots of shade trees and a wet climate. Moss absorbs water, and large clumps of moss growing on your roof can damage shingles by raising the shingle edges and exposing the undersides to water.
Winter to do’s to preserve your roof
Maintaining your house roof in winter is crucial to ensure its longevity and prevent damage. Winter weather can be harsh on your roof, with heavy snowfall and ice buildup putting extra strain on the structure. Here are some tips to help you maintain your roof during the winter months.
One important step is to shovel snow off your roof. Snow can accumulate quickly during a heavy snowfall, adding extra weight to your roof. If left unchecked, this can cause damage to the structure or even lead to a collapse. It’s important to remove snow from your roof regularly to prevent this from happening. However, roof shoveling can be dangerous and is best left to a professional roofing contractor like Nick Tracey Roofing who has the relevant training, tools and insurance.
Another issue that can arise during winter is the formation of ice dams. Ice dams occur when snow on the roof melts and then refreezes at the edge of the roof, preventing water from draining properly. This can cause water to back up under the shingles and leak into your home. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to remove ice dams as soon as they form. This can be done by chipping away at the ice dam using an ice pick or awl or by using a chemical de-icer product.
In conclusion, maintaining your house roof in winter is essential to prevent damage and ensure its longevity. Regularly shoveling snow off the roof and removing ice dams as soon as they form are two important steps you can take to keep your roof in good condition during the winter months. Contact Nick Tracey Roofing to get an online quote for annual roof maintenance service.
