Dover Roofing Blogs

In todays ever changing economy your home is your most important asset and as it grows older its key elements will need costly repairs. I’m sure most of us don’t realize it but the key component to all of them is your roof.

It is of the utmost importance that your home or businesses roof be well maintained and strong enough to prevent many costly and often hidden damages to your building structure.

The First Step is to Make Sure Your Gutters are Clean and Clear

Left unattended blocked and clogged gutters will cause rain backups and even more devastating  ice dams. Both will drive water and under your roof tiling and underlayment’s, this can cause 1000’s of dollars in damage which is mostly hidden from the human eye until it is too late. Damage to wooden structures, interior walls and framework are all areas which can be damaged by improperly cleared gutters.

It is recommended that you visually inspect gutters for proper functionality, blockages or damage and clear them as part of your fall and spring cleanups.

Visually Inspect Your Roof Regularly

Make time on a regular basis to walk around your home and do a visual inspection of your roof, this should be a priority after times of high winds.

Look for missing or damaged tiles, general signs of wear and tear (singles look smooth and the sandy substance on top of the tiles is still intact, as examples) and check flashing around chimneys and outlet vents. If you see any signs of shredding or rotting you may have a rodent issue as well that will allow the weather to grab a hold and compromise your roof.

Your Roof has Leaves and Moss Buildup

If you have tall trees near your home, falling leaves and pine needles could accumulate on your rooftop. These items will trap moisture, leading to decomposition or possibly weed growth. Both of these items will lead to a weakening of the roofing system.

You can gently use a leaf rake to remove items within in your reach or use a garden hose(not a pressure washer as this will damage the tiles) to remove the debris and growth.

In some areas of the country you may also see a moss buildup which can also cause a moisture problem. Depending on the age of the moss you should be able to sweep it off or wash it off with soap.

Trim Branches away from your roof

Overgrown branches not only can deposit materials onto your roof but can break off, landing onto the roof causing damage. Not only are they a genuine danger but they also will allow squirrels and other rodent easy access to your roof, gnawing on things or even opening holes into the structure.

It is a generally a good rule to keep a 10 foot clearing between the edge of the roof and the overhanging branches. If you aren’t sure of what to do, it is highly recommended that you hire a professional and prevent damage to the roof or building.

Conclusions

As we have shown there are many things that can damage your roof leading to many 1000’s of dollars in damages that are hidden from view and don’t come into sight until the major damage has been done but continuous inspections and diligence to small maintenance issues can keep your roof strong for decades.

Always remember that if you suspect an issue many roofing contractors will come out and inspect your roof for any damage or signs of wear and tear.