Follow these inspection and maintenance recommendations to prolong the life of your roof.
1
Inspect for and repair damage
- For shingle roofs, look for shingles that are loose, cracked, broken, missing, buckling, curling, blistering, or worn down.
- Check wood for rot or insect infestation.
- Check metal areas for rust.
2
Trim trees
Remove tree branches that overhang the roof. This will prevent damage from rubbing or falling on the roof, and limit leaves clogging gutters.
3
Ensure gutters are secure
If gutters are loose or ready to fall down, have them repaired.
4
Remove debris from the roof
- Remove dirt, loose objects, branches, and other plant material from your roof.
- Consider hiring a professional to perform this service.
5
Look for and repair loose or missing flashing
- Check for and address any loose or missing pieces of flashing. Loose or ill-fitted flashing can cause roof cover failure and water intrusion during high-wind storms.
- Be sure to regularly inspect flashing for any issues before and after storms.
6
Inspect for and repair leaks
Look for these signs of a leak:
- Leaks inside the attic
- Water stains on roof decking (around chimneys, vents, pipes, and valleys)
- Discolored roofing deck, rafters, or trusses
- Water stains on the ceiling
- Cracked wall or ceiling paint
- Peeling wall paper
7
Inspect and seal roof penetrations
Check around chimneys, pipes, skylights, exhaust fans, vents, and air conditioning units.
- Are penetrations well sealed and tight?
- Are there gaps and/or signs of missing sealant?
8
Inspect and repair vents
For off-ridge vents:
- Do vents wiggle back and forth?
- Are they well attached?
- Are there screws attaching turbines or caps?
For ridge vents:
- Are vents tightly screwed down?
- If nails are used, are they are properly attached?
