A Beginner’s Guide To Roof Maintenance in 2024

When you own a home, safeguarding your investment and making sure your family is safe comes first. An integral part of your home, the roof shields the structure from the elements. Unfortunately, skipping roof maintenance can often result in expensive repairs, or call for an early replacement.  In order to help homeowners like you realize how important it is, in this blog post we’ll discuss all about roof maintenance and what can be done to ensure your roof lasts as long as possible.

What Is Roof Maintenance And Why Is It Important?

Assuring the longevity, usability, and structural integrity of a roof through routine maintenance is known as roof maintenance. Routine inspections, cleanings, and repairs are all part of roof maintenance and allow you to detect and resolve any potential problems. 

Maintaining a roof’s durability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal requires routine inspections, cleanings, repairs, and preventative measures. These are essential for protecting against weather-related damage, promoting energy efficiency, and maintaining the value of real estate. 

Proactive maintenance lowers the need for expensive repairs or replacements by detecting and resolving problems like leaks and damage early on. A well-kept roof increases curb appeal, draws in buyers, and protects a property’s value. For roofs older than five years, professional inspections should be carried out annually. In addition, homeowners should conduct post-storm damage assessments and biennial inspections as necessary. 

Here’s a brief breakdown of the importance of roof maintenance: 

• Longevity: Regular maintenance extends a roof’s lifespan
• Cost Savings: Routine upkeep prevents expensive replacements
• Warranty Coverage: Maintenance preserves warranty validity
• Home Value: Maintained roofs enhance property worth
• Leak Prevention: Maintenance stops leaks before they become worse
• Investment Maximization: Consistent upkeep secures your roofing investment
• Peace of Mind: Regular maintenance ensures worry-free ownership
• Utility Costs: Roof maintenance promotes lower heating and cooling expenses

Understanding Roof Maintenance For Different Roof Types

Before delving into roof maintenance, understanding various roof types and their specific upkeep requirements is crucial. Take a look at the table below to get a better understanding:

ROOF TYPE	KEY CHARACTERISTICS	MAINTENANCE NEEDS
Asphalt Shingles	Common, easy to install, but short lifespan, vulnerable to weather	Regular inspection, repair, and protection from weather damage
Metal	Durable, energy-efficient, long-lasting, but expensive, need specialized care	Specialized cleaning to prevent corrosion, periodic checks
Clay Tiles	Long-lasting, attractive, but heavy, fragile, require specialized handling	Regular checks for cracks, proper installation, and upkeep
Wood Shingles	Natural, attractive, but expensive, prone to rot, needs regular upkeep	Preventive measures against rot, mold, mildew, regular maintenance

What Are Some Common Roofing Problems? 

Regardless of the type of roof you have, you should be aware of a few common roofing issues. Here are a few of the most typical problems and signs of roof damage:

1. Damaged or Missing Shingles

The main form of protection from weather-related factors is shingles. They allow for potential leaks and damage on areas of the roof where they are cracked, curled, or missing. Faded or discolored shingles also indicate shingle aging and the need for replacement. Moreover, an abundance of shingle granules in the gutters indicates shingle deterioration, which can harm the roof’s overall functionality.

2. Attic Leaks

Leaks in the attic can be signs of potential water damage and other roof problems. A variety of vents, including ridge and attic vents, can allow water in, which can cause structural damage. Roof leaks can happen for many reasons, including slate or tile structural damage, broken shingles, or fractured flashing. If leaks are ignored for an extended period of time, they can result in costly damages and structural issues, so acting quickly is important.

3. Sagging

Sagging roofs indicate that the roof structure has been weakened by water damage. A wooden roof may rot due to the retained moisture, jeopardizing the structural integrity of the roof. 

4. Flashing Damage

Leaks and interior water damage may result from missing or damaged flashing surrounding roof penetrations, such as skylights, vents, and chimneys. Maintaining your roof and preventing expensive problems require routine flashing inspection and repair.

5. Energy Bill Increase

Increased energy costs could be a sign of a broken or inadequately insulated roof that is letting air escape. Maintaining energy efficiency and cutting utility costs require proper insulation and upkeep. Long-term cost savings and increased energy efficiency can result when homeowners fix these types of roofing problems.

6. Clogged Gutters

Water may be flowing back onto the roof if your gutters are blocked, damaged, or in poor condition overall. When this occurs, water just sits on the surface, causing leaks and other forms of harm to your roofing structure.

7. Moss Growth

Shingle structural damage can result from moss growth on the roof. For the integrity of the roof, large moss clumps might require shingle replacement. In addition to preventing moss growth and roof damage, regular roof cleaning and maintenance can preserve the roof.

8. Shrinkage

A roof’s material shrinking can cause a number of other issues, including deterioration, cracking, and the separation of important parts like flashing. 

9. Pooled Water

Standing water, sometimes referred to as pooled water, is another issue with water on roofs. This can occur due to clogged gutters, incorrect roof slope, or clogged roof valleys. This leads water to sit on the roof instead of draining away. 

Consistent moisture from standing water causes issues with mold, mildew, algae, and rot. Water can eventually seep through the roof deck and into the attic, causing structural damage and potentially threatening the structural integrity of your home.

Roof Maintenance Best Practices

1. Inspect Your Roof Regularly: Regularly check your roof, ideally twice a year, for any issues like damaged or missing shingles or leaks, especially after extreme weather events. Early detection helps avoid expensive repairs and extends roof life.
2. Clean Your Gutters: Maintain gutter cleanliness to prevent water from backing up onto the roof, which may result in water damage. Clean gutters ensure proper water flow and prevent potential problems.
3. Trim Trees and Remove Debris: To avoid damage from falling branches, trim the trees that surround your house. Clear the roof of debris regularly to prevent damage and increase its lifespan.
4. Address Issues Promptly: Any roofing issues should be resolved quickly to prevent them from getting worse and necessitating more expensive repairs. Seek expert assistance when necessary.
5. Practice Preventative Maintenance: Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for preventive maintenance, checking for leaks and other potential issues regularly.
6. Choose the Right Contractor: Select a qualified and experienced roofing contractor based on factors like quality of work and safety practices rather than just cost. Consulting with professionals can help you assess the roof’s health and develop a maintenance plan.

When choosing roofing solutions, consider the long-term costs. Invest in high-quality materials to minimize future maintenance needs and expenses.

Seasonal Roof Maintenance

Maintaining a roof requires constant attention throughout the year. Your roof will face different challenges depending on the season, which is why we’re here with a breakdown of roof maintenance requirements for different weather conditions:

Summer

Summertime provides ideal weather for thorough roof inspections. Make the most of the sunny skies and comfortable weather to inspect for damage or degradation. If you find any problems, like loose shingles or cracked flashing, fix them right away to prevent further harm. To further prevent moisture retention and damage over time, consider cleaning the roof’s surface to get rid of any debris, moss, or algae buildup.

Fall

Preparing your roof for the coming winter months is crucial as the temperatures start to drop. Before the colder months arrive, perform a last inspection to find and fix any lingering issues. For optimal drainage and to avoid ice dams, clear the debris from the gutters and downspouts. Consider pruning branches that hang over the roof as well to prevent them from causing damage during winter storms.

Winter

In the winter, concentrate on keeping your roof clear of snow accumulation and ice dams. When snow melts and then refreezes at the eaves, it can create an ice dam that backs up water and possibly leaks into your home. To stop the formation of ice dams, make sure your attic is properly ventilated as well as insulated. You can safely remove snow buildup from your roof by hiring a professional or using a roof rake. A buildup of too much snow can put pressure on the structure of your roof and cause damage or collapse.

How Much Does Roof Maintenance Cost?

The cost of roof maintenance in Wisconsin varies based on factors like the roof’s size and type, your required services, and local labor rates:

• Roof Inspection: $150 – $400
• Gutter Cleaning: $75 – $300
• Roof Cleaning: $250 – $800
• Minor Repairs: $200 – $600

The cost of emergency repairs varies depending on the damage. For accurate pricing, it’s best to get quotes from local roofing contractors.

Is Your Roof In Need Of Roof Maintenance Services? We Have Got Your Back!

Regular roof maintenance is essential for preserving your home’s integrity and functionality. Understanding your roof, spotting signs of damage early, and implementing a proactive maintenance plan can prevent costly repairs and ensure long-term durability. Whether you choose DIY maintenance or professional assistance, investing in your roof’s upkeep safeguards your home’s safety and value. 

For expert roofing services, trust BRH Enterprises. We provide the best maintenance, repair, and installation solutions tailored to your needs in Wisconsin, prioritizing durability and customer satisfaction. Give us a call at (920) 249-4228 to find out how we can help you.