Getting a new roof is not on top of the fun things to do for homeowners. But once you have replaced your roofing in Midlothian VA, you should take the proper steps to ensure your roofing will last.
Completing regular maintenance is critical to knowing and understanding how to best maintain your roof throughout the year. Understanding new roof care procedures can help with your roof lifespan and provide the peace of mind that everything is great above your head.
Residential roofing tips are a straightforward way to prioritize roof related projects throughout the seasons of the year. Organizing your home exterior tasks based on the season can keep you safe and informed of the condition of your roofing system.
Midlothian Roof Damage Prevention
Some homeowners think that “I have a new roof and I do not need to worry about it not protecting my home.” It makes perfect sense! However, protecting your roof will go a long way to protecting everything under it. Homeowners can take steps throughout the year to understand their roof condition and when to call in a professional for assistance.
Professional Roof Maintenance
The first step is developing a seasonal roof maintenance plan. Aspects of a seasonal plan may require professional assistance, but it may depend on your comfort level of completing certain tasks. If in doubt, hire a professional to complete the job for you.
Step 1: Clean Your Gutters to Prevent Roof Damage
The first piece of roof maintenance that Midlothian homeowners should complete is clogged gutter cleaning. Gutters will accumulate leaves, debris, and more throughout the year. The team at Shanco recommends that you clean gutters in the spring and the fall.
We recommend spring cleaning because it is typically wetter and damper during the spring months and ensuring that water is properly whisked away is crucial to keeping your home dry and safe. If your gutters are clogged, water can find its way behind the fascia board and even create a leaky basement.
Fall has the chance to clog your gutters with leaves for the winter. Clogged gutters in the winter may result in frozen gutters, ice dam formation, and leaks inside your home.
Gutters are not the only thing to inspect; downspouts can clog resulting in back-ups onto your roof and spill out of your gutters. While inspecting your gutters, make sure any extensions are free from blockages and are draining away from the foundation of your home.
If you are not comfortable with heights, simply hire a gutter cleaning contractor near you to complete the job. Read more about gutters with our guide to DIY gutter maintenance to understand what steps to take when thoroughly cleaning your gutters.
Step 2: Survey For Damage to Your Roof After a Weather Event
Weather can cause serious problems with roofing in Midlothian. Some weather events can lead to roof repair or replacement of newly installed roofs. Once the weather has settled, conduct a survey of your home to see if there are any roof leaks.
Signs of water damage may start with your roof decking. If your decking is wet in the attic, there has been water penetration.
There may be wet places around the flashing of your home. This could be anywhere that something exits your roof, like a chimney, natural gas vents, or plumbing vents. These areas are susceptible to damage and wear and can leak over time.
Furthermore, you may find a wet spot on the ceiling of your home. Wet drywall is a certified sign that something is amiss, and you should schedule a professional roof inspection.
Step 3: Remove Debris from Your Roof
Debris like small twigs, large branches, leaves, and dirt can easily find a resting place on the roof of your home. Removing accumulating debris is critical to maintaining a healthy roof. Debris can trap moisture on your roof, creating conditions where moisture can keep your shingles damp which can develop into a small leak.
Debris removal can feel daunting, but we have created a handy guide on why and how to clear your roof of debris effectively and safely.
Step 4: Trim Back Overhanging Trees
Overhanging trees can easily cause damage to your roof. While trees do provide shade, high winds can cause branches to snap and cause serious roofing trouble. Not to mention leaves, berries and fruit can clog gutters.
Finally, trees can provide small animals and insects with an access point to your roof. Allowing your roof to turn into a playground for squirrels, ants, racoons, and more will open your attic to many different problems that will require pest control and a roofing contractor to button up.
Hire a certified and insured tree trimming service to safely remove branches and trees. With any home service company, working with ones that are properly insured and certified will protect your home and everyone in it.
Step 5: Book Regular Roof Inspections
Develop a regular inspection cadence as your roof ages. Weather elements gradually cause the roof to break down over time. Staying ahead of wear and tear will allow preventative maintenance procedures to prolong the life of a roof.
Furthermore, roof leaks and inadequate ventilation issues left over time can create much larger issues within your roof. These issues may have been prevented with a regular inspection cadence. Partnering with a trusted roofing professional in Midlothian will provide expert insights into your roof to ensure your roof will last.
Shanco Are Your Midlothian Roofing Professionals
Professional roofers are not easy to come by. Shanco has been serving the VA and MD markets since 2002. During that time, we have won Residential Roofer of the Year from Roofing Contractor while carrying an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Repairing or replacing your roof is easy with Shanco. Our roofing company provides different financing options so that you can easily get the roof you want. Contact us today to schedule your free Midlothian roof inspection!
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