Summer weather can be harsh on roofs. Between severe summer storms and intense summer sun, the warmer months can take a toll on your home’s first line of defense. Help protect your roof and keep it in peak condition with these common-sense maintenance tips.

Visual Inspections


The first thing you should do for your roof maintenance is perform regular visual inspections. Make yourself familiar with what your roof and other exterior features look like normally, so you can recognize and address any damage as soon as it occurs. Don’t forget to inspect the interior of the home for any signs of leaks or water damage as well.


Small Repairs

If you notice any problems during your visual inspection, repair it immediately. Loose and missing shingles or bad seals need to be taken care of right away to ensure water cannot enter the home, causing further damage. The sooner these small repairs can be made, the better.

Clean the Gutters

Gutter maintenance often gets overlooked when it comes to general roof maintenance, but properly caring for your gutters is extremely important to the functioning of your roof. Clean gutters guide water away from the roof, and gutters that are blocked by debris can cause water to pool on the roof's eaves, resulting in roof damage.

Trim the Trees

Many roofing materials are highly susceptible to damage from tree branches. Larger tree limbs can scratch the roof, causing granule loss, while also increasing the risk of mold and algae due to moisture retention. Smaller limbs and leaves can clog the gutters and leave debris on the roof itself. It’s recommended to cut branches back at least eight feet from your roof.

Clear it Off

In addition to limbs and foliage from trees, your roof can accumulate dirt and other debris throughout the year. This build-up will affect the way your roof functions by impeding how well it reflects the sun and can damage the roof deck underneath. It’s important to clear debris from your roof, although power washing is not advised unless done by a professional, because it can severely damage the roof if not done properly. Most roofers will recommend a gentle wash with a herbicide additive.

Check the Attic

As mentioned, don’t forget that your roof has an exterior and an interior! Check your attic for signs of damage or any roof failures. Additionally, make sure your attic is properly ventilated to ensure optimal roof function. A poorly ventilated attic can cause deterioration to the roofing materials, drastically shortening the lifespan of your roof.

Professional Inspection

Schedule an inspection with a professional roofing contractor regularly. Having professional eyes on your roof will help ensure you’re not missing anything. Particularly if you notice something has changed or you see minor signs of damage, and a periodic roof inspection will help diagnose the problem and fix it before things get out of hand.
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General roof maintenance is fast, easy, and time well spent. A little prevention can go a long way. The bit of time it takes to perform these few tasks will inevitably save you both time and money in the long run by keeping your roof in peak condition throughout its lifespan.