Roof Maintenance: A few tips that may help you prolong the life of your roof

With over 15 years of experience in the roofing industry, T&S Roofing has learned a few pieces of useful information that may assist in prolonging the longevity of your roof. While some things may seem to be common knowledge, you would be surprised as to the different ways that you can maintain your roof.

Top Roof Maintenance Tips:

1. Do not walk on the roof.
This is something that may be done more often than not and you may be unknowingly compromising the integrity of your roof. Walking on a roof may cause unnecessary strain on the structure if not done by a roofing professional. If you need to get a closer look, we advise using a ladder instead. Visit Christmas Lights roofing blog to learn more on ladder safety.

2. Clean your gutters!
Gutters should be cleaned at least once a year in order for the heavy Miami rains to flow off the roof smoothly; otherwise, you may experience accumulated water on your roof, which can cause a roof leak. Gutters may need to be cleaned more often if trees are nearby.

3. Have your roof inspected after a storm.
In Miami, we experience heavy rains at any time, but more so during hurricane season. Strong winds and heavy rains can certainly compromise the integrity of the roof as it can sustain minor, unnoticed damages, which can escalate and become a leak or present other issues. We strongly recommend that you reach out to a roofing professional in order to schedule an inspection to ensure the safety of your home.

4. Report water intrusion immediately.
Something as simple as a wet spot on the ceiling may be indicative of a roof leak. We suggest you report the leak immediately so that it is addressed sooner rather than later. A minor roof leak can become detrimental as it will only get worse as time passes.

If you run into a leak during your roof maintenance, make sure to have all of your AC lines checked if they are running through the attic space, sometimes the lines may leak and make it seem as though you have an active roof leak. This is crucial during the hot summer months when the AC is working harder and the rains are more prominent.

5. Report any signs of roof damage or broken tiles promptly.
As with water intrusion, signs of roof damage should not be taken lightly, but rather approached with a preventative manner. While tiles are the decorative part of the roof, a broken or cracked tile can indicate damage to the underlayment of the roof depending on what caused the break.

The greater the time period in which roof damage goes unattended, the more susceptible your roof becomes to the elements. This can lead to further damages and leaks.

6. Contact a roofing professional every 5 years in order to perform preventative maintenance.
As we take care of our health, we should monitor the health of our roof. You should consider contacting a roofing professional to inspect your roof every five years. During their inspection, they can clear your roof of all debris and re-seal all flashings and penetrations.

If you have an asphalt roof, you should consider coating the roof with elastomeric or silicone. These coatings will extend the life of your flat roof by 2 years or 5-10 years, respectively.

Your roof is the largest investment for your home, so it should be treated as such. Following the roof maintenance tips above, you can adequately care for your investment, while ensuring that you are keeping the inside of your home safe. As with a car, it is much better to be proactive instead of reactive with your roof.

If you have any roofing questions or want to learn more about maintaining your South Florida roof, feel free to contact us!