5 Easy Ways to Give Your Roof a Longer Life
Is there such a thing as DIY roof maintenance? Absolutely. All roofs have a certain lifespan, depending on the material and installation, but with proper maintenance you can keep your roof in great shape for a longer time. Here are some basic maintenance steps you can take to keep your roof “healthy”:
1. Clear Debris from Roof & Gutters
What You’ll Need: Ladder, Safety Harness System for Pitched Roofs, & Push Broom, Garden Hose, or Air Compressor 
If you only choose one thing to do for you roof, this should be the one! It’s easy, and makes a big difference: remove sticks, leaves, pine needles, and other debris from your roof and gutters. It allows water to drain as it should and prevents pooling. Removing debris takes unnecessary weight off of your roofing material, and allows it to dry completely after a rain.
Use the push broom to sweep all debris off the roof, or spray it with a garden hose. Avoid using a broom with bristles that are too stiff or a power washer, especially if you have asphalt shingles. This can cause damage! Clear out the gutters with an air compressor or by hand.
2. Trim Back Tree Limbs
What You’ll Need: Ladder, Safety Harness System for Pitched Roofs, & Tree Pruner or Small Saw
Tree Limbs can be a real problem for your roof. Any branches that look like they could fall on the roof should be trimmed, and any that might rub on the roof during a windstorm need to be removed. In addition, if there are areas of your roof that are not drying properly and/or water is collecting, it could be a result of too much shade from a nearby tree.
3. Remove any Growth and Standing Water
What You’ll Need: Ladder, Safety Harness System for Pitched Roofs, & Push Broom & 50/50 Water/Bleach Solution in Spray Bottle.
Start by sweeping any excess water off of the roof, and look for spots of algae, moss, or mold. Spray areas with growth using the bleach solution. If you have areas where water is not drying, you may need to evaluate WHY this is happening – lack of sun exposure, faulty drainage, etc.
4. Inspect for Loose Shingles, Fasteners, Cracks, and Other Damage
What You’ll Need: Ladder, Safety Harness System for Pitched Roofs, & Possibly Roof Cement and/or Sealant
While you’re removing debris, it’s a great time to be looking carefully at your roof for obvious signs of problems. If you have a few loose shingles, you can likely fix this yourself with some roof cement. A tube of sealant can provide a temporary solution for fasteners that have come loose or small cracks/voids in the roofing material.
5. Winter: Remove Snow Regularly
Many roofs do not have snow-melt systems. It is extremely important to remove as much snow as possible on a regular basis. This helps to reduce ice dams, which can wreak havoc on a metal or composite roof.
With proper roof maintenance, you can add years of life to your roof. Not in the mood for harnessing, getting out the tools and ladders, and heading up to the roof? Contact us, it’s what we do!