A new roof is an expensive investment. Once you have your new shingle roof, you will want to do everything you can to protect it. An asphalt shingle roof can last anywhere between 15 and 30 years. To ensure your roof lasts as long as possible, you will need to know how to properly maintain your new roof.
In Calgary, AB, we get all kinds of severe weather. The Design of your roof is meant to combat snow, thunderstorms, and hail. With that said, there will always be some sort of wear and tear over time. This is why you should get annual or even seasonal roof inspections.
A professional roof inspector knows what to look for and can see things that would be easy to overlook as a homeowner. They will know if any roof materials are improperly installed and how to fix them so you can get the most out of your new roof. For example, a nail, an essential, simple roofing product, can be installed incorrectly, leading to leaks.
Roof Inspections
Having a roofing contractor inspect your residential roof system after a severe weather event can seriously extend the longevity of your roof. Causes of roof damage can be from things like wind, rain, snow, hail and even ultraviolet light from the sun. (Natural light from the sun will degrade your roof shingles slowly over time.)
If you are unsure about the integrity of your roof after a storm, you should schedule a roof inspection. Sometimes a minor repair can turn into an expensive one so being proactive and contacting a professional is always a good idea.
Regular Roof Maintenance
Another major cause of roof damage that is easy to fix is tree branches. During a storm, branches near the house can swing in the wind, causing damage to your roof. Homeowners should look out for this and trim branches that overhang the roof.
Heavy snow can also cause tree branches to sag and hit the roof and/or walls of your house. If you don’t know how to go about this, be sure to contact a roofing contractor for the best results.
Eavestroughs (Roof Gutters) and downspouts should be cleared of debris regularly to avoid blockages. Standing water due to blocked drainage is an easy fix but is one of the most common causes of roof decay if left unattended.
Over time the water can leak through the roof and rot the beams that support your home. Things that can block your gutters include things like leaves, twigs and other debris. You should maintain your gutter system every spring and fall to ensure proper drainage for your roof.
Skylights or roof windows should also be looked at carefully to make sure they are correctly installed. A good caulking job around skylights and other areas of the roof where there may be flashing can prevent leaks and ventilation issues. Valley flashing should be inspected annually to make sure the caulk is in good shape.
Ventilation & Ice Dams
A considerable part of your roof most homeowners don’t consider is the ventilation of your home. A properly ventilated roof is critical to the health of your house. In Calgary, we have a constant freezing and thawing cycle, leading to ice dams if your roof is not adequately ventilated.
Warm air beneath your roof will cause the snow on top to melt, which will then refreeze when it drains to a colder area of the roof. A roof that has proper placement of vents and insulation in most cases takes care of this issue.
Proactive Maintenance
A properly maintained roof can last you years and will protect the value of your home. With regular inspection and maintenance, you can make sure, and minor issues with your roof are caught before they turn into large ones. This will save you money and headache in the long run.
