A roof in good condition will help keep a building’s value. It will also prevent rotting beams and ceilings, mold growth, and pest problems.
The key to effective roofinf maintenance is to discover small problems before they become urgent. A regular inspection and maintenance program will nip these issues in the bud before they cause expensive damage. Visit https://www.bostonroofingco.com/ for more details.
A roof’s flashing is the metal or rubber sleeve that wraps around vents, pipes, and other structures sticking through your roof. It creates a seal against rainwater and prevents leaks. Flashing should be inspected regularly and repaired as needed to keep it in good condition and protect your home.
A properly installed flashing should last 20 years or more, depending on the material used. However, it can be damaged by severe weather or simply ageing and require replacement. Inspect the flashing for cracks, holes, deterioration of the sealant, and separation from the roof surface.
If you find any of these signs, the flashing will need to be repaired or replaced as soon as possible. If left unattended, a faulty flashing can lead to water infiltration and damage to your home.
It is important to inspect the flashing from a safe position on the ground. A ladder or roof rake can provide access to the flashing, but you will need a large enough area to move safely. Before inspecting, it’s a good idea to remove any debris like leaves, branches, or dirt that could trap moisture against the flashing.
Look for signs of deterioration of the sealant, such as cracks or bubbles. Also check for gaps where the flashing is missing.
Examine the flashing for signs of corrosion or rust, especially in areas exposed to salty air or acidic rain. Corrosion can weaken the flashing and create gaps where water can enter your roof. If you notice any water stains on ceilings or walls adjoining the roof, it is likely that the flashing in those areas needs to be repaired or replaced.
Check for the presence of a chimney cricket or saddle, as these devices abut the chimney and help shed rainwater from the top side. Similarly, check for a kickout flashing, which is a flange that extends down from the roof to provide protection for the chimney pipe where it meets the roof.
Clean the Gutters
Cleaning your gutters is one of those chores that many people dislike, but it’s important to do regularly to ensure they function properly. If your gutters are clogged, rainwater may overflow, which can damage the roof, facades, and patios of your home. Luckily, it’s not difficult to clean gutters, and there are several tools and products available that make the job much easier.
To clean your gutters, you will need a ladder with good footing, a bucket, a gutter scoop or garden trowel, and heavy-duty work gloves. Begin by removing coarse dirt and debris from the edges of the guttering, then work your way to the middle, avoiding pushing debris into the downspouts. Next, flush the gutters and downspouts with water until you’re sure they are functioning properly.
Gutter guards can be a great solution to help prevent blockages, as they allow for water to flow freely while preventing leaves and other debris from entering the guttering. Some gutter guards also have a downpipe outlet that allows you to direct the water towards the drainpipe, which can be helpful for identifying obstructions or finding hard-to-see leaks.
Alternatively, you can clean the gutters by hand using a ladder, a gutter scoop or garden trowel, a bucket and heavy-duty work gloves. Start at the end of the gutter and work your way toward the center, repositioning the ladder as needed to avoid stepping off of it. Afterward, clean up any debris that has fallen to the ground.
If you’d prefer not to stand on a ladder, you can buy gutter cleaning kits from most online retailers and hardware stores that include a wet/dry vacuum or a pressure washer attachment. You can then use the attachment to vacuum out your gutters from the ground, or simply use a garden hose to wash them down.
There is also a product called the Gutter Sense that uses a hose and a curved sled to allow you to reach second story gutters without standing on a ladder. This is an excellent option for those who have safety concerns about using a ladder or cleaning the gutters by hand.
Remove Debris
The roof can get cluttered with debris, especially in areas that have many trees. Debris can include leaves, twigs, and branches that fall off of the trees; garbage; or even pet waste. The debris can retain moisture and promote the growth of mold, moss, or algae. This can cause the shingles to decay, resulting in leaks and other structural problems.
It is important to remove debris regularly, especially after a rainstorm or high winds. The debris can redirect the flow of rainwater, causing water to pool on the roof or in the gutters. It can also lead to the buildup of moss, lichen, and algae on the surface of the roof and clog downspouts.
Regular debris removal can prevent water pooling and moss or algae growth, while keeping the shingles free from damage. If you are going to clean your own roof, be sure to use a sturdy ladder and safety gear. It is also best to perform this task during the day for visibility and to minimize the risk of falling debris. A broom or a roof rake can be used to gently sweep away debris without damaging the shingles. If the debris is too large or bulky to lift, consider hiring a professional.
During your inspection, you should check the flashing around vents, chimneys, and skylights for signs of wear or damage. In addition, you should inspect the gutters and downspouts to make sure they are not clogged, which can lead to water damage and leaks. The sealant around the flashing should be checked, as well.
If you notice any deterioration or damage to the flashing, shingle tabs, or valleys, it is time to call Bert Roofing. The professionals can safely and quickly repair any issues and maintain the health of your roof. They can also inspect and clean your gutters to avoid clogging and overflow. They can also assist with a roof re-shingling project, which involves replacing the existing shingles and adding protective materials to help extend the life of your roof. Contact Bert Roofing today to schedule a quote.
Trim Trees
Trees that grow too close to your roof can fall during severe weather and cause impact damage. They can also allow pests to access your home and encourage moss and algae growth that will rot the roof over time. Regular trimming of the trees around your home will help to keep them healthy and prevent branches from falling during heavy storms or natural disasters.
When pruning your trees, it’s important to remove dead or damaged branches and make sure the remaining ones are well-secured. You should always prune during the winter between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day when the tree is dormant, which allows you to see the structure of the tree clearly. Other times of the year, pruning can damage the tree’s tissues and leave open wounds that are prone to infection.
Proper pruning can improve the appearance of your landscape and increase the life expectancy of your trees. Some of the most common pruning techniques include crown thinning and removal of crossing or rubbing branches. Thinning involves removing specific live branches to reduce the overall density of the canopy and promote sunlight penetration and air circulation. The process should be done by a professional arborist, but it is relatively simple for those with knowledge and experience.
Avoid removing more than 25% of the total canopy each year. Removing more than that will create stress on the remaining limbs which can lead to the formation of fungus, insect infestation and structural failure.
Any branches that rub together should be removed immediately, as they can weaken the tree by cutting into each other or creating a wound that cannot heal. Also, eliminate any branches that are growing inward toward the center of the tree as these can also lead to fungus and insects.
When removing any branch, cut at a 45-degree angle away from the trunk of the tree, using the underside of the bark as your guide. Make the cut just above a branch collar, making sure to avoid ripping down into the trunk itself. The angled cut creates a callus on the bark, which helps to protect against disease and insect infestation.
