Roofing Maintenance 101: Caring for Different Types of Roofing Systems

Your roof is the most critical component of your home. It provides aesthetic value, all-round protection, and several functional benefits adding great value to your home. Proper upkeep and preventive maintenance can help you lead a blissful life. The better you maintain your roof, the longer it lasts and the more money you save over time. Unfortunately, the majority of homeowners ignore the roof maintenance processes till it's too late.

There are various kinds of roofing systems each with their specific maintenance requirements. Here are some crucial maintenance procedures to follow that will help you lead a carefree life at your home. 

Leaves and debris cleanup

It can be quite challenging and cumbersome to clean leaves off of gutters and roofs. It is a risky job and requires skilled workmanship and proper safety measures. Hiring a qualified roofing contractor to free your roof of debris. Clearing leaves and other debris is essential to maintaining the condition of your roof.

Debris buildup can lead to ice dam formation in the winter and even cause leaky roofs and mold formation which might harm your roof, interfere with your heating and cooling system, and possibly cause your basement to flood in the spring. Every autumn, remove the leaves, even if that means hiring a service to do it for you. Even seemingly smaller items like loose gravel, leaves, and twigs can cause major issues. These elements along with leftover water on the surface of your roof, can weaken both the roof's overall composition and the structure of your entire house. 

Solar Panels cleanup

Solar panels are becoming quite popular with several homeowners across the country. Cleaning the solar panels is easy but labor-intensive. It ensures that the solar cells are unobstructed and receive the maximum amount of insulation. Clean solar panels are important to maximize the panel’s energy output. It is a simple procedure that can be carried out as often as required depending on how much dirt is accumulating. To clean panels, you can use a soft cloth or wash rag and biodegradable soap. If you are only dealing with dust you can run a hose pipe with water over the panels.

The inverter display must be monitored daily to ensure the green lights are all on. The system output must also be monitored over a period of time. Most of the modern inverters have automatic monitoring systems which will send alerts to you in case of any discrepancies. 

Roof Inspection

Roof inspection is one of the most crucial parts of roof maintenance. It helps maintain your roof’s structural integrity and functionality. Proper inspection can also help you claim your home insurance benefits better and save a lot of time and effort in the long run. We, at Basswood Consulting provide a detailed analysis of your roof through our roof inspection services carried out by professionals with decades of experience. The areas that need just minor tweaks and parts that need major overhauls are all explained in detail to you.

Taking quick care of damaged shingles

If your Asphalt shingles are facing any damage, their repair works must be immediately done to protect the structural integrity of the roof's components and associated systems (such as drainage and ventilation). When small issues are resolved on time,  they can eventually help avoid more significant issues or repairs. Your roofing contractor may also Replace or fix missing, damaged, or buckled shingles.

You may also want to fix loose or cracked shingles with roofing cement, nails, or both. Any shingles that have been blown away or broken loose also need immediate repair.