Roof shingles were built to be durable and last 25 years or longer, but only if you take the proper steps to maintain them.
We know that replacing a roof is an expensive and time-consuming investment, so it’s no wonder that homeowners try to put as many years between replacements as they possibly can. The good news is by staying on top of regular care and maintenance and spending a few hours here and there tending to your roof, you can keep it in decent shape for years to come. Not only that, but you’re more likely to catch roof issues and resolve them before they can spiral out of control.
But what goes into maintaining and caring for roof shingles? Keep reading to find out.
7 Ways to Maintain Roof Shingles
There are many different roof shingle types out there today, and while there are some differences, for the most part, these tips can help you care for just about roof shingle types. Here’s what you need to know about maintaining shingles for your house:
- Regular Inspections Are Key — Regular roof inspections are often overlooked but are essential to the health of your roof. Inspections are nonnegotiable because they offer valuable insight into its current status and any necessary repairs. However, it’s important to note that roof inspections can be dangerous and should only be completed by an experienced roofing contractor or professional.
Even if you decide to risk doing it yourself (and we can’t stress this enough: leave it to the experts), property owners, in most cases, can only spot obvious issues and damage. On the other hand, a professional knows what to look for and will uncover any hidden problems, saving you money and time in the long run.
- Always Prune Overhanging Tree Limbs — Having mature trees surrounding your home is what a lot of homeowners wish for; privacy, shade, beauty, and more. But having these tall trees close to your house comes with a few drawbacks, such as branches hanging over your roof.
Keeping your trees trimmed is critical to keeping your roof safe since overhanging branches are one of your roof’s biggest threats. Wind and heavy snow-laden limbs can cause breakage resulting in serious roof damage. Again, skipping the DIY project is best, and calling in an arborist to handle the job is wise.
- Keep Your Gutters Clean — While gutters aren’t technically a part of your roof, they are an essential part of the overall system. Rain, falling leaves, creatures, and wind can really jam up your gutters, resulting in clogs. These clogs can cause your gutter system to work inefficiently and lead to other serious roofing problems, such as fascia and soffit damage and more.
Cleaning out all of the debris and gunk from your gutters and downspout is essential to them working properly. Many homeowners opt to do the job themselves, but professional work is always the safer option when it comes to roof-related projects. Should you choose to do it yourself, here are a few tips from the pros:
- Make sure to utilize a sturdy ladder, a couple of buckets, a trowel, and an extra-long garden hose with a spray nozzle attachment. You’ll also want to wear a long-sleeved shirt, safety glasses, and thick gloves.
- If you’re planning a DIY gutter cleaning job, make sure to work only when conditions are good enough. On a similar subject, only use your ladder on flat, solid surfaces. Make sure to communicate with someone when you start your project (so they can call for help if necessary). And always work carefully and cautiously.
- To make the disposal of gutter gunk faster, attach one of your two buckets at the top of the ladder, so you don’t have to climb up and down so much.
- Use your gloved hands or trowels to remove the bulk of the debris and your hose to handle the finer bits.
- Always check the downspouts for clogs.
- Replace leaf guards and filters (where applicable) when you’ve completed the project.
- Prevent Ice Dams from Forming — Icicles and ice dams may look magical, dreamy, and beautiful, but the reality is they can be incredibly damaging to your roof. The rood image they can cause is expensive and a lot more intensive than you might think.
You can maintain your roof shingles by taking the necessary steps to ensure your home and roof are properly insulated (keeping your roof cool and close to the same temperature as the external environment is key). This will help keep the snow closest to your roof from melting and freezing as the water trickles down your roof on colder parts.
- Address Roof Maintenance Right Away — The thing about roof and shingle damage is that it is easily hidden and can go unnoticed for a long time. By the time it finally catches your attention, the problem is often pretty serious. At that point, moving quickly to repair the shingles for your house is key. The longer you put off reaching out to a professional roofing contractor, the worse the issue will become.
Not only will the roof damage be more extensive and costly, but it will also be significantly more dangerous. The roof is your home’s first line of defense against the intense elements, so prioritizing it as such is crucial. Addressing damage might be the best way to protect the shingles for your house and extend the life of your roof.
Contact We Do Roofing SLC Today!
Without roof shingles, your roof cannot do its job. If you need repairs, inspections, replacements, or help with anything else pertaining to your roof, contact the professionals at We Do Roofing SLC.
Our licensed and insured crew are the go-to experts in siding, gutter, and roof repairs, replacements, and more. We work with all roof shingle types and can help your vision come to life. With over two decades of industry experience, our trusted team can help you with your residential or commercial needs.
We are ready to serve businesses and homes in the Northern Utah area, including Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Murray, West Jordan, and many other surrounding cities. Contact us today to get your quick quote.
