How to Maintain Your Shingles Roof

Your New York City roofing company does more than just install roofs. We can also help you with roof maintenance and extending the life of your current roof.

Although no roof lasts forever, you can lengthen the amount of time between roof replacements by maintaining your roof and fixing problems while the problems are still small. In this post, we’ll look at several things you can do to maintain your shingles roof.

 

Remove Debris

Several times a year, have someone get up on your roof and make sure that leaves, moss, and algae are removed from your shingles. This is a good thing to do while you clean out your gutters and downspouts.

This sounds like a small detail, but debris can have a significant negative impact on your roof if it’s left there to decompose. A covering of wet leaves can make it impossible for your shingles to dry out, and eventually you’ll have mildew and mold growing in between and under your shingles. These conditions unnecessarily speed up your roof’s demise. The solution is so simple, however: keep your roof clean.

 

Check for Flashing and Shingle Damage

Loose or damaged shingles can be a problem, especially after heavy winds, hail, and other storm conditions. Likewise, your flashings can become damaged or corroded. In many cases, these problems can be fixed without having to replace the entire roof.

When you catch these problems early, shingles and flashings can be replaced or repaired, restoring your roof to its previous condition.

 

Check Caulking and Sealants

With our hot summers and cold winters here in New York, sealants can wear out long before the rest of the roof. When sealants and caulking wear out, you can experience leaks and water seepage problems. Check your roof’s caulking and sealants regularly to make sure they’re performing their proper functions.

 

Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts

If your gutters and downspouts are overrun with dead leaves, debris and twigs, they won’t be able to divert water away from your roof. Also, wet leaves are heavy, and they can eventually cause your gutters to pull away from the roof.

As you clean out your gutters, also take a look at your trees. By trimming back overhanging branches, you can save yourself a lot of work and protect your shingles and flashings from damage caused by falling branches during storms.

 

Check Your Attic Insulation

The condition of your attic insulation is a good indicator as to the health of your roof. If your insulation is damp, you may have roof leaks. While you’re in your attic, also check out your ventilation. Poor attic circulation leads to mold, ice dams, and even structural damage. If you notice any of these problems, give us a call, and we can help you figure out what can be done to improve ventilation and fix your leaks.

By staying on top of your roof maintenance, you can make your roof last longer and keep your home dry and strong. For more information about maintaining your shingles roof–or to have a roofing contractor come take a look at your roof–get in touch with us at Z Abedin Construction LLC, your NYC roofing company.