Checklist: 9 Roof Maintenance Tips

June 8, 2020

Top of house with a nicely laid out roof of asphalt shingles.

Roof replacement can cost tens of thousands of dollars. But did you know you can save money and prolong the life of your roof through regular roof maintenance?

While every roof will eventually need to be replaced, proper roof maintenance can keep your shingles in good condition and protect your home from damage for years to come. Check out our roof maintenance tips to learn how to extend the life of your roof.

1. Check Your Shingles

The first step to roof maintenance is checking the condition of your shingles. Damaged shingles could leave your roof more susceptible to the elements, so it’s important to look out for:

Missing shingles
Curling shingles
Cracked shingles
Peeling flashing
Missing granules
Staining, Algae, Mildew, or Mold (First sign of asphalt shingle failure)

Here's a guide to determine if you need to replace your roof shingles.

2. Get a Proper Roof Inspection

Though there are many things you can do on your own when it comes to roof maintenance, it’s still important to bring in an expert to perform a thorough roof inspection. Shingles should be inspected every 3 years at minimum, while tile roofs should be inspected at least every five years. Roofs that are more than 10 years old should be inspected every 2 years, and roofs that are more than 15 years old should be inspected annually.

3. Check for Leaks

Leaky roofs can cause damage to your home and put your safety at risk. Here are some of the most common signs of a leaky roof:

Musty odors in certain rooms
Water stains on your ceiling
Spots on your exterior walls
Bulging patches on your interior walls

4. Wash Your Roof

It’s important to wash your roof regularly to get rid of algae that might be growing on your shingles. If left to grow long enough, algae can rot your shingles. Remove algae by spraying a 1:1 ratio of water and bleach on your roof.

5. Clean Your Gutters

Clogged gutters can cause water damage to your home, so it’s essential to clean your gutters at least a couple times a year (usually in spring and fall). Make sure you remove any leaves and other debris from the gutters so the water can flow freely off the house and into the downspouts. Here are 6 steps to clean your gutters properly.

6. Trim Overhanging Branches

Overgrown branches could clog up your gutters or fall onto your roof and cause damage in a major storm. Avoid this risk by cutting back branches that hang over the roof.

7. Patch Up Your Chimney

Don’t forget to inspect your chimney while performing your routine roof maintenance. Check for any cracks, missing mortar, or loose bricks, which could cause damage to the roof or cause the chimney to completely collapse. Call a contractor if you spot any problems.

8. Reseal and Caulk Around Vents and Pipes

Any openings around your vents and pipes are a chance for moisture to get into your home and cause damage. Minimize the risk by sealing off any openings with caulking.

9. Protect your Shingles

In most situations when you have old or damaged asphalt shingles, roofers will recommend a roof replacement, which can set you back thousands of dollars. Thankfully, you can turn to products like Roof Maxx to help restore life back into your shingles and protect them from the elements. As shingles age, they lose the natural oils in them that makes them flexible and able to expand and contract with the changing weather. Roof Maxx restores these oils into your shingles, prolonging their life. If you are going to take the route of replacing your roof shingles, check out our buyer's guide to the best roof shingles.

Learn More About Roof Maxx

Follow Roof Maxx’s roof maintenance checklist and protect your roof from future damage today. And if you are looking to rejuvenate your roof, contact us to learn more about Roof Maxx and what we can do to extend the life of your roof—and save you thousands of dollars.