Maintaining your Portland roof will extend its life span and help you avoid extensive repairs or costly roof replacement. Roof maintenance also safeguards the foundation of your home. A neglected roof poses several risks, including safety hazards, leaks, and foundation damage. Leaks can lead to interior water damage that may compromise the structural integrity of your home. Leaks can also affect insulation, making it harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature and rising energy costs. Loose shingles can fall unexpectedly, putting your household at risk or causing property damage.
Fortunately, regular roof maintenance can protect your home and everything inside from these leading risks. Read on to learn how to properly care for your roof, what maintenance you can handle on your own, and when you should hire a professional. Follow these tips from roofers in Portland to ensure the longevity of your roof and rest comfortably knowing you are well protected.
Inspect Roof After Heavy Weather
If you live in the Portland area, weather can have a big impact on the health of your roof. Severe weather such as excessive rain, snow, and heavy winds can compromise its structural integrity. Roofers in Portland recommend checking your shingles regularly, especially after severe weather.
Look for missing roof tiles or shingles, as well as any branches that may have fallen on your roof. It’s also important to look for water damage. If your roof is sagging from a buildup of moisture due to snow or rain, it’s important to act quickly and call a professional. Make sure to also check your gutters and downspouts for any clogging. Minor clogging may be addressed by the homeowner, but keep in mind that cleaning gutters can be a falling hazard. Depending on your abilities, the size of your home, whether it’s a single- or two-story home, or the severity of the clogging, it may be in your best interest to hire a professional to clean the gutters. Safety is paramount for both you and your home.
Check Shingles Regularly
Top roofers in Portland recommend periodically inspecting your roof for missing, broken, or loose shingles. From the ground, survey your roof. If you see any defective shingles or roof tiles, contact a roofing contractor immediately. Damaged, missing, or loose tiles can cause leaks leading to interior water damage or rotting roof decking, barges, fascia, and trim. Loose shingles or tiles may fall at any moment, risking hitting anyone within range or damaging surrounding property.
Regular inspections preserve the life of your roof and prevent further damage. Don’t delay; the sooner you replace any damaged or missing shingles, the better chances you have of avoiding any accidents or damage. Shingles should only be replaced by someone able to safely access the roof and with knowledge of what types of shingles to use. Roof tiles require more caution as it is easy to slip from a tiled roof and they are easier to damage. Contact your local Portland roofers for an expert inspection.
Add or Upgrade Insulation in Your Attic
Proper attic insulation protects your roof. Adding blown-in insulation to your attic helps keep your home at consistent temperatures. Insulation keeps cooler air in during the summer and prevents heat from escaping during the winter. Controlled temperatures prevent excessive moisture in the home that can contribute to mold and rot. It also helps slow down the buildup of ice at the edge of the roof, causing ice damming. Ice damming prevents water from draining off the roof, leading to roof damage and interior water damage.
In addition to extending the life of your roof, proper insulation saves you money. It can cut down on energy bills as well as add R-value to your home. Insulation ratings are measured in R-value; the higher the R-value, the greater the insulation performance. If you live in Oregon or Washington, you can receive rebates for upgrading your home’s R-value. Add attic insulation and increase your savings.
Maintain Gutters
Gutter maintenance includes cleaning and repairing your gutters as needed. Gutters clogged with debris, such as leaves, dirt, or sticks, prevent water from properly draining away from your roof. The buildup of water can seep under the roof line and lead to water damage both outside and inside. Regularly remove any debris from your gutters to ensure water is properly flowing away from the roofline and out the downspout.
When inspecting your gutter, also look for potential damage. Look for leaks, dents or holes, rust, and other water damage. If you notice any of these signs of damage, repair immediately to ensure your property is protected and water is directed away from your home.
Fix Roof Flashing
Roof flashing is a thin corrosion-resistant metal used to divert water away from critical areas of your roof and prevent water from seeping into the seams. Over time, rainwater eventually damages this flashing. If you notice corrosion, gapping underneath the flashing, or broken flashing from severe weather, contact a professional roofer. Roof safety requires special equipment and safety training to prevent accidents as well as further damage. Roofers will properly inspect the flashing and replace damaged sections.
As a part of your regular roof and shingle inspection, make sure to check the flashing. Survey overhangs, around chimneys or skylights, and roof valleys. Protect your rafters, siding, and underlayment from possible damage and repair flashing immediately. If there is extensive damage to the flashing, age may be a factor, indicating it’s time to replace your roof.
Use Maintenance Services
Roofing specialists offer maintenance services essential to roof health. No matter the roofing material, they will be able to inspect, clean, repair, and replace your roofing. Look for a roofing specialist offering comprehensive maintenance including gutter maintenance and attic insulation. Scheduling regular maintenance keeps your roof in peak shape.
Roofing requires specialized equipment and safety training; contracting a professional roofer protects you and your home. One wrong move can lead to injury and further damage to your roof.
For expert roofing services, contact Interstate Roofing. We specialize in residential and commercial roofing, as well as gutter repairs and attic insulation. From maintenance to repairs, our skilled roofers are here to help.