How to Maintain Your Roof

Out of sight, out of mind – your roof is a vital part of your home, but it doesn’t capture attention like the rest of your property. So long as it keeps the rain and the wind out, it’s fine, right?

Not necessarily. Without regular maintenance, your roof could develop problems that could become serious. Even the most trivial issues like loose pine needles can add up over time and potentially cause damage. A working roof is critical, especially in the rainy Pacific Northwest.

Some assume their warranty is enough to cover them if their roof is damaged, but no warranty is perfect. Plus, these warranties don’t last forever. Depending on the age of your home and how long you’ve lived there, your warranty may have expired.

On the upside, doing your own roof maintenance costs you nothing but your time. You may need to buy some tools or roof parts, but it’s worth it to keep your roof healthy for years to come.

Your home is a valuable asset, and you need to take care of it to make it last. But how do you maintain your roof properly? Follow our guide to keep your roof in good condition!

When to Inspect

You should check (and clean) your roof at least twice a year, ideally in the late spring and fall. That’s when debris pileups and water damage are more likely. However, you likely will need to conduct quick check-ups in summer and winter.

Plan Ahead

Before you go haul out the ladder, you need to prepare, starting with analyzing your roof’s history. How often has it been inspected? Has it been repaired? If so, what were the repairs, and when were they made?

Once you’ve identified these trouble spots, you need to take stock of your roof itself. Is it safe to walk on your roof? Can you get up safely? If not, you should hire a professional.

If you can easily get on and off your roof, and it is flat enough to safely walk on, you likely can inspect your roof yourself. (In other cases, call a professional.)

No matter what, you need to know what damage you’re checking for. Look up pictures of roof damage so you know what’s normal or not, and if you hire a professional, let them know your concerns.

And don’t forget to inform the people in your house of your plans, so they’re not surprised to hear someone on the roof!

Now that you’re prepared, you can follow these six steps to keep your roof in pristine condition.

  • 1. Check the Damage on the Roof

    Where to look: Pay attention to the shingles, sealant, and the caulking. Also look at your chimney, flashing, and any metal pieces.

    Don’t forget to test for any soft areas, especially in the valleys of your roof. These areas tend to face more wear and can be more sensitive.

    What to look for: If anything is broken, loose, or cracked, take note and plan on purchasing supplies (or hiring a professional). For metal elements, look for rust or corrosion. Also check for mold, moss, algae, water stains, or rot around areas that intersect your roof (like chimneys, air conditioning units, etc.).

    How to: You can usually complete simple repairs by yourself, but if the damage is extensive (like mold), you should hire a professional. For replacing asphalt shingles, follow this article from HGTV.

    You can replace caulking relatively easily, and you can replace sealant, too. But if there’s extensive damage, get a professional’s opinion, especially if it relates to hardware like a roof vent.

    Why bother: Damaged elements can lead to leaks and other damage that could be costly to repair.

  • 2. Clear Debris or Build-Up

    What to look for: Look out for loose leaves, pine needles, dirt, ice, snow, or pieces of roofing elements.

    Why bother: Debris can harbor moisture that leads to mold or water damage, and it can block water from flowing off your roof. Plus, clearing any debris can help keep your roof safe during a wildfire.

    As for ice and snow, they can both cause water damage if you have a leaky roof, and they can capsize your gutters or roof if they get too heavy.

    How to: You can usually clear debris with a leaf blower or broom, although be careful not to get any debris in a skylight or vent. Whatever tool you choose, be gentle. Asphalt shingles are especially delicate, so take care not to be too aggressive.

    As for snow, the name of the game is caution. Wait for a warmer day with clear visibility, and don’t stand directly under the roof. Use a snow rake to gently remove most of the snow, leaving a thin layer to avoid direct contact with the roof.

    You can typically get rid of ice dams by gently breaking it with an awl or through a defroster solution, but if it’s a serious block, call the professionals.

    Follow-Up: Regularly check your roof for debris, snow, and ice. If any start to accumulate significantly, remove them before it gets more serious.

  • 3. Clean Off Moss

    What to look for: According to The Spruce, moss starts off a thin layer of green growth that quickly turns into a fluffy mat. If you don’t catch it before it matures, it could weaken and damage your roof.

    Why bother: Moss may look benign, but it can lift, crack, and damaged roofing materials. Plus, moss retains moisture that can cause leaks or even worse, rot. A significant amount of moss can ruin your roof within months.

    How to: First of all, don’t attempt to clean off moss if you can’t easily get onto your roof or walk safely on its surface. Only then can you attempt to remove any moss.

    If the moss isn’t pervasive or spread across your roof, follow the advice in this article to gently clean your roof.

    However, if your roof is hard to reach, tricky to walk on, or covered in a stubborn layer of moss, call a professional. Do not resort to power washing your roof – you can easily get water underneath the shingles and cause mold or rot.

    Follow-up: Check your roof throughout the seasons. Washington state is particularly prone to moss, so you may need roof cleanings several times a year.

  • 4. Clean Your Gutters

    What to look for: Look for debris, pine needles, leaves, and any broken roof elements (such as granules from shingles or broken tiles).

    Why bother: A clogged gutter can send water streaming down the side of your house and into your foundation or basement, leading to mold and further water damage.

    How to: Use this handy guide to clean your gutters of any gunk. You should also reroute any downspouts so they’re 4-6 feet away from your house. Remember, you need one downspout for every 30 feet of guttering, so you may need to buy more.

    Follow-up: If your gutters are prone to frequent clogging, consider getting a gutter guard. There are a multitude of gutter guard options nowadays, so you can pick the one that best fits your gutters.

  • 5. Trim Trees

    What to look for: Inspect your property for any branches that overhang your gutters. If there are none, count yourself fortunate.

    Why bother: One bad storm can cause branches to fall, clogging your gutters and potentially damaging your roof.

    How to: Follow this guide from Better Homes and Gardens to properly trim your tree. (You can also use this guide to prune trees for better growth.)

    Follow-Up: Monitor your trees throughout the year to ensure their branches don’t pose a threat to your roof.

  • 6. Insulate Properly

    What to look for: Check for broken shingles or leaks, any drafts, or inconsistent temperatures throughout your house. Or you can go up to your attic to check the temperature – it should match the temperature outside, so if it isn’t, it isn’t properly insulated.

    You should also check your energy bills. If your AC or heater is constantly running but it doesn’t make much of a difference, you likely have poor insulation.

    Why bother: Good insulation keeps air flowing properly, preventing mold and water damage. Plus, it helps keep the rest of your home at a nice temperature.

    How to: Installing your own insulation can go poorly without the proper care. Instead, ask a professional’s opinion to make sure you find the best insulation option for your home.

    Follow-Up: Regular roof maintenance goes a long way in protecting your home and your loved ones. Schedule a yearly roof inspection with a roof expert to make sure your home is well insulated and ventilated.

A working roof keeps your home’s inhabitants safe, just like how insurance protects your home in case of an accident. If you have yet to purchase home insurance, check out our website to get a quote for home insurance.

If you have questions about us or insurance we offer, contact us via a phone call, text, or email. You can also use our booking website to schedule a visit. We’re here for all your insurance needs!