Maintenance of Your Washington Roof
1. Conduct Periodic Maintenance of the Roof System
Every year, you should clean out all drain pipes, gutters, valleys and
downspouts. Areas where leaves accumulate should be areas of special
concern because decomposing material can rot your shingles over time.
Buildups cause drainage problems which lead to mold and leaks. Also,
inspect all visible pieces of metal flashing as these can become dented
and misshapen over time from falling acorns and sticks.
As roofs age, particular attention should be paid to the condition of
curled and cupped shingles. An occasional "tune-up" by a licensed and
qualified roofing contractor can extend the life of the roof
significantly.
2. Avoid Installing Products or Fastening Items Through or to the Roof
Shingles are attached to the timber roof frame by large roofing nails
but they are not always strong enough to hold up satellite dishes and
other electronic receivers. If you do attach something to the roof, make
sure it's located on as close to a flat surface as you can manage as
this will prevent pulling on the shingles.
3. Keep the Roof Well Ventilated
A ridge vent installed in the center peak of the roof is one way to
accomplish this. Some problems that can be a direct result of a failure
to do so are mineral loss on the shingle surface, heat loss, moisture
buildup and mold spore growth.
Do not permit excessive access to the roof. When access is required
adequate protection should be provided to the roof surface to prevent
loss of mineral granules. Also, retain a qualified roofing professional
to perform any addition or repair involving asphalt shingle roofs,
hand-tabbing newly installed shingles, if necessary, to achieve proper
seal to the underlying courses.
Following these simple steps will keep your roof looking newer longer
and prevent the headache that improper maintenance brings.
The American Homeowners Association (AHA) ®
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