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3 Maintenance Tasks To Keep Your Roof In Good Shape

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Roof maintenance is crucial to ensuring that your roof is able to protect you and your family. If you fail to keep up with this important task, you will eventually end up with holes, leaks, and a variety of other issues that will hinder your interior comfort levels. First things first, a roof inspection should be performed at least twice a year—every spring and fall—as well as after any big storm.

In addition, when performing inspections, you don't have to use a ladder and climb up on the roof—leave that to the pros—because it can be dangerous if you aren't experienced and trained. During your inspection, here is what you need to look for, and if you find anything out of place, call the professionals for a more in-depth inspection or repairs.

Shingles

Shingles work by keeping rain, snow, etc. from seeping into and soaking the plywood and trusses below. Shingles are covered with granules that help to minimize deterioration; however, they can crack, split, curl, cup, and even blow off. If that happens, leaks occur in the walls or ceiling that can result in a host of problems.

Therefore, shingles should always be your first step in roof maintenance and inspections. Just eyeball them from the ground to ensure none are missing or curled up, and if they are, they need to be replaced immediately.

Flashing

Flashing is the pieces of metal that are placed around chimneys, on wall construction, and over roof joints to help prevent water from seeping into the house. Look to see if the flashing has corroded or come loose. If it has, then you can usually fix it yourself.

However, if you don't feel up to the task yourself, simply call a roofing professional. The cost of repairs will vary depending on the size and location of the flashing replacement.

Fascia and Soffits

Fascia are those long boards that run along the lower edge of the roof and cover the ends of the rafters, while soffits are underneath and bridge the gap between the siding and the roofline. During the wintertime, both of these can be damaged very easily when snow and icicles start to collect along the edge of the roof, resulting in cracks, leaks, and other similar types of damage.  

Luckily, the damage can very easily be seen from standing on the ground. Look for holes, gaps, and rot. If any of this type of damage is seen, contact a roofing contractor for repair.

For additional information, reach out to companies like Welty Custom Exteriors, Inc.


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