Preventive Maintenance Guide For Roofing

What do you need to know about preventive maintenance for roofing?

1. Visual inspection
2. Roof washing
3. Drain clearing
4. Moss extermination
5. Leak prevention

One of the main reasons why roofs fail early is because preventive maintenance is not performed regularly. Roofs are exposed to all kinds of weather conditions, falling debris, and moisture. For this reason, they should be maintained just like other parts of a building. By doing so, you can increase the curb appeal of your building — which is important for both residential and commercial buildings. But preventive maintenance for roofing is not just done for aesthetic purposes, but also for functional reasons as well.

Through regular maintenance, you can prevent significant damage to the roofs, which also reduces unexpected expenses in the long run. It also keeps the inside of the building free from problems, such as leaking. 

If you want to know the important components of preventive maintenance for roofing, keep on reading.

Visual Inspection

It’s beneficial to perform thorough inspections on roofs regularly. While the damage might not be obvious from afar, you might be surprised by issues you can find when looking closer. You can ask a professional for their recommendation on how often you need to perform inspections per year. Other than that, it’s also important to conduct additional inspections after heavy rains, nearby fires, volcano eruptions, etc.

During the routine inspection, inspect for holes, cracks, rust spots, missing shingles, moss, and other damages. Look closely for sealant or caulking issues because these might need to be repaired. Mark all defects in a document for reference. For a more thorough inspection, a maintenance checklist would be helpful.

Roof Washing

It’s important to ensure that roofings are kept clean and free from debris. Loose gravel, dirt, leaves, and twigs can retain water if left on the surface — causing damage and promoting molds. It’s also a good idea to have the roof washed to get rid of built-up dust, first, mud, grit, and grime because these can damage roofs if left alone. Contaminants can grow under and around roofing shingles if neglected.

Through regular roof cleanings, the life of the roofing can be extended. But this task should be left to the professionals because there are hazards when working on a roof. Experts know the precautions to take to prevent slips and falls. Aside from that, they have experience in doing the job and will only use the best cleaning materials to adequately clean a roof.

Drain Clearing

Aside from the roof, it’s also essential to clean the roof drains for preventive maintenance. All roofs will have a drainage system that helps remove excess water that can cause damage and deterioration. 

Regular drain cleanings can help stop clogs, especially when there are trees nearby that have falling leaves. This can cause gutters to hold water, which can lead to overflowing and leaks. Just like roof cleaning, it’s best to leave this task to a professional because snaking a drain improperly can cause more problems. 

Moss Extermination

Moss can be harmful to roofs because it can make the edges of the shingles curl upward. This makes the shingles more likely to blow off the roof when it’s windy. Other than that, moss can also hold extra moisture, which causes the shingles to get soft and crumbly. They can make their way under the roofing and continue to grow over time. 

Get rid of moss, mold, mildew, and lichen by using a suitable moss exterminator. This kind of treatment can be applied to asphalt roof shingles, stone-coated metal roofs, clay roof tiles, and concrete roof tiles. It can also be reapplied at the first sign of regrowth. Other than roofs, this can also be useful for pathways, decks, patios, other furniture, and the like.

Leak Prevention

It’s critical to prevent leaks before they start to prevent costly repairs down the line. When leaks occur, not only the roof is affected, but also other parts of the building as well. Fortunately, regular inspections can reveal areas of deterioration that might require repairs early on. 

There are many ways builders prevent roofing leaks. This could be done by installing waterproof barriers, installing roof deck protection, ventilating the attic, or installing hip and ridge cap shingles. Maintaining the gutter system also plays an integral part in preventing roof leaks and water damage. 

Key Takeaway

Regular inspections are key to maintaining a roof in good condition. Make sure to keep roofs free from debris and perform regular cleanings to keep them tidy. Exterminate early signs of moss as this can damage roofs. Clear clogged drains to prevent leaks and ponding. It’s best to leave these tasks to a professional because working with roofs requires skill, experience, and adherence to safety practices

If you have any questions about preventive maintenance for roofing,  you can contact us here at Multi-Line. Aside from our years of experience in providing the best roofing and building materials to property developers and construction professionals, we won’t disappoint you with our roof washing services and high-quality moss exterminator. This way, your residential and commercial roofing will stay aesthetically pleasing and functional for a long time.