Michael Sasse, owner of Commonwealth Roofing Corp. in Louisville, Kentucky, has created a do-it-yourself roof check-up. If you haven’t taken a look at your home’s roof in a long time, now is the time. Michael tells us that most roofing experts agree that your roof should be inspected no less than once a year. “Your roof gets more abuse from the elements than any part of your home. That’s why it’s so important to have a yearly roof inspection. You can have it done by a pro or you can do it yourself. But if you see causes for concern call a professional roofing company. Most asphalt roofs are designed to last about 15-20 years, but only if they’re well maintained. Make a roof inspection part of your spring cleaning. You could save yourself thousands of dollars.”
What do you look for? First, if tree branches are touching your roof, this isn’t good. As much as we love having trees to shade our home, we still have to be aware that too much contact with the roof can cause problems. Branches can scratch and gouge roofing materials when winds toss them around. Branches that have fallen from overhanging trees can damage and puncture shingles. And then there are those pesky leaves that can clog your gutters causing water to backup into your attic or upstairs bedrooms. Overflowing gutters can also cause water to run behind the fascia. (The fascia is the vertical board that caps the end of the rafters on the outside of your home.) Bottom line for tree limbs? Trim them back away from your roof.
Next thing to look for is black or discolored streaks. This is generally a sign that you have a problem with algae. While algae will generally not harm shingles, the discoloration can make the roof look old and worn out prematurely. The stains can be treated by a professional cleaning company for immediate results, or you can use a roof cleaning solution specified for that purpose. You can also install zinc strips along the ridge of the roof. How does this help? When it rains, the zinc strips release harmless zinc oxide that is a mild algaecide. Pretty clever, huh? This does take time to be effective, though. We don’t advise trying to clean algae stains off shingles with bleach or other harsh chemicals, or by using a power washer. Most non-proprietary chemical solutions can harm your lawn and landscaping and power washing can damage the shingles.
Third, look for damaged or missing shingles. Even if your roof is only a few years old you need to do this. When shingles are missing or torn, your roof and your home interior are vulnerable to water damage and rot. Loose shingles can easily get blown off, torn or lifted by wind gusts. The moment you see a problem like this, get it fixed or fix it yourself. By acting immediately, you could save yourself thousands of dollars.
Replacing a shingle here or there yourself is not that difficult. Start by using a pry bar to pop loose the shingle tabs from the sealant below them. Then pull out the nails of the damaged shingle and the nails of the shingle directly above the damaged one. Gently rock the damaged shingle back and forth to remove it. Then replace it with a new shingle. Be sure to get four nails into the new shingle and to reinstall all the nails in the row above it. If your roof is steep or the damage is more extensive, or you have a tile or slate roof that’s damaged, the best advice is to call a professional roofing company.
These are the top ten things to do and look for to keep a shingled roof in good working condition:
1. Clean all debris from the surface of the roof including debris that has gathered behind HVAC units, pipes and pitch pans and any other roof penetrations.
2. Clean moss and fungus off roof; install zinc or lead control strips along the ridges and hips to prevent algae stains.
3. Check all flashings for deterioration, holes or caulk deterioration.
4. Replace damaged and missing shingles. Dab roof cement under any loose shingles.
5. Keep all gutters and downspouts free of debris. Make sure they’re draining properly by running water through them from the garden hose.
6. Trim back any overhanging tree branches.
7. Check the open valley and flashing metal for rust. Wire brush the rust, then prime and paint the metal.
8. Check all caulking and sealants. Scrape and remove any caulking that is weather cracked and damaged. Clean the area thoroughly and use a wire brush if necessary. Reapply polyurethane caulking.
9. Check the mortar on chimneys and parapet walls, both in between the brick and on top. If it’s damaged or deteriorated have it tuck-pointed. Any mason can perform this work.
10. When the time comes for major repair or replacement, choose a professional roofing contractor who is certified by the Kentucky Roofing Contractors Association. There is no government licensing of roofing contractors in Kentucky or Indiana, so how can you tell if a roofing contractor is lying to you? If he tells you he’s “licensed” to do roofing. Even though there is no licensing, a KRCA Certified Contractor is certified to be properly insured and bonded, meets ongoing educational requirements and agrees to the KRCA Code of Ethics.
For more information contact Michael Sasse, (502) 459-2216
Commonwealth Roofing Corp.
