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Roof Maintenance Tips

It is important to inspect your roof every spring and fall to see if there are any small problems that need to be fixed. If you address small problems quickly, it can prevent costly repairs or the need for a premature roof replacement. Annual roof inspections from a licensed contractor are the most effective way to ensure your roof is in good shape, but seasonal upkeep is also important for keeping your roof performing at peak performance.

Seasonal Roof Upkeep:

The homeowner can perform many of these tasks. If the job is too big, however, call in a professional.

  • Remove debris from your roof: sweep or blow sticks, leaves, and other debris off of your roof. They can clog your gutters and cause algae growth.
  • Clean out your gutters and downspouts: check for missing caulk and paint peeling to find potential problem areas. Repair as needed. Gutter screens or covers can make cleaning easier.
  • Trim branches that hang over your roof: this will prevent damage and help keep squirrels and raccoons away.
  • General Inspection and Repair: Check the attic or interior ceilings for signs that water is seeping through. Check the roof for damaged shingles, moss and algae growth, loose or missing flashing, and damaged roof hardware. Repair as needed. If roof damage is evident over multiple parts of the roof, it is a sign that you may need a roof replacement.
  • Check Chimneys, Vents, and Skylights: Look for missing or cracked mortar in your chimney, and check flashing in these areas.

Professional Roof Maintenance:

We recommend that you have a professional come and perform these tasks once every five years.

  • Caulk masonry flashing: This seals the gap between the mortar and the metal flashing. This area is particularly vulnerable to leaks, so it is important to ensure that the caulking has not failed over time.
  • Caulk nail exposures: Wherever there is a visible nail head on your roof (typically on ridge caps and pipe boots), it needs to be caulked periodically to prevent water intrusion.
  • Hammering nail pops: As the house expands and contracts with variations in humidity and temperature, the nails and the shingles may begin to back out. The shingles around the nail need to be lifted properly and resealed to prevent water intrusion over time.
  • Replace pipe boots: Rubber boots around the plumbing pipes on your roof will dry rot over time. They usually last between five and ten years. Once they dry rot, it creates a hole where water can enter.
  • Shingle Replacement: If a shingle blows off or is damaged, a professional installer can replace the shingles and maintain the integrity of the roof.

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Our Locations:

Seawright Roofing
701 Gervais St Suite 150-204
Columbia, SC 29201
1-803-408-7144
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