Summer roof maintenance is an important part of an overall management plan for any roofing system. Performing scheduled inspections not only saves you money by preventing costly repairs, but it helps assure your roof will meet or even exceed its life expectancy. In addition to these benefits, a well-kept roof will also add curb appeal to any property heading to the real estate market.
Some property owners choose to complete roof maintenance on their own, but without the right equipment and knowledge, working on a roof may actually be more expensive—or even dangerous. Before you schedule an appointment with a roofing contractor in Calgary, keep these simple tips in mind to assure your roof is in good working order for the season and beyond:
- Inspect your entire roof with binoculars: This is a simple, inexpensive way of determining if your roof requires any repairs or maintenance. From the ground, you can check for shingle damage, fallen debris, moss or algae growth and damage to stripping around corners and ledges. Note any problems on paper and indicate the approximate location on your roof; a rough sketch can be helpful.
- Clean up unwanted debris: Make sure all branches, sticks and organic materials are removed from your roof. Not cleaning your roof can result in mold or algae growth, breakdown of shingles and stripping and blocking of rain gutters and downspouts. That being said, make sure have your rain gutters cleared of all leaves, seeds and twigs, which can prevent proper water drainage during storms. Additionally, it’s best to have all overhanging tree branches trimmed away from your roof, if possible.
- Review your homeowner’s insurance policy: Before you call your roofing contractor in Calgary to schedule maintenance or repairs, know the conditions of your insurance policy so you’re aware of what expenses you are covered for. In most cases, an insurance company will pay for repairs to a roof that’s been damaged by wind or hail storms. It will not, however, pay for repairs to damage caused by negligence.
- Repair damaged shingles: In the summer, your roof is subjected to extreme elements, such as high winds, excessive heat and heavy rain. As a result, your roof’s shingles can buckle, tear or come completely off. Once you visually assess this damage, complete any necessary repairs so your roof doesn’t develop water leaks.
- Replace damaged flashing and caulk where necessary: Typically protected by metal stripping (or flashing), a roof’s corners and edges can break down from the elements over time. When this occurs, water damage to ceilings and walls can be quite obvious due to the location of the leaking. Sometimes, the area may just need re-caulking, but it’s possible the entire section of flashing may need replacing due to physical damage.
By enacting all of the tips above on a regular basis, you’ll not only save yourself from expensive repairs, but you’ll also ensure the longevity of your roofing system and its warranties—and that’s good news for anyone who likes to make the most out of their hard-earned dollars. Get in touch with Rhino Exteriors today to learn more about how we can help ensure your roof continues to do its job for years to come!