What is maintaining a Northern Phoenix roof all about? Well, it goes beyond just protecting your home from the elements. Roof maintenance is about ensuring that your home’s roof lasts for decades as it is one of your most significant investments in your home.
With the region’s unique climate that ranges from scorching summers to monsoon storms and snowfall, the roof will be up against a lot of environmental factors that make roof maintenance necessary. We compiled a list of our top roof maintenance tips to help you get the most out of your investment by caring for it in the best way possible. Read along for a simple approach to roof maintenance.
The Roof Maintenance Checklist
There are certain nuances to pay attention to in the Northern Phoenix regional climate. For example, the region is prone to intense sun, monsoons, and the occasional snow. Below are our tips to help you keep your roof in good condition.
1. Regular Roof Inspections
First, we recommend having your roof inspected at least twice a year. Having it checked once in the spring and again in the fall is ideal. This inspection will help identify damaged or missing shingles or any signs of water damage and wear on the roof.
2. Downspout & Gutter Cleaning
It is important to keep up with gutter maintenance and cleaning. Clogged gutters can often lead to water damage and even ice dams in the winter. We recommend cleaning out any leaves, debris, and blockages at least twice a year or after storms.
3. Trim Overhanging Branches
Overhanging branches can damage shingles during storms and heavy winds, and leaves that fall off those branches can lead to extra roof debris, which can then accumulate and cause clogged gutters.
Our simple tip here is to keep up with trimming overhanging branches to prevent them from hanging over the roof. This will prolong the roof’s life, help with drainage issues, and help you avoid extra costly roof, and or foundation, repairs.
4. Check for Wind & Storm Damage
Monsoons are known to happen in Arizona anywhere from June to September and can cause tremendous damage from wind and water. As a good practice for regular roof maintenance, it is important to have someone inspect your roof to verify that it can withstand severe weather or if some repairs will be needed. Be sure to watch out for loose or damaged shingles.
5. Prevent Ice Dams
Ice dams form when there is poor attic ventilation or improper insulation. It is important to check the attic ventilation before the colder months arrive so that your home’s interior isn’t affected by potential leaks.
Ice dams also form when gutters aren’t cleaned routinely, which is another reason they should be cleaned often.
6. Repair Flashing and Seals
One of the most common areas of the roof that is damaged is the flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights. When damaged, these areas are prone to water leaks, which can lead to even greater problems for the home as a whole. We recommend that these areas be checked and repaired routinely to prevent costly repairs down the line.
7. Use Proper Roofing Materials
When working on a roof replacement or repair project, it is important to ensure that the roofing material is of the highest quality. Arizona’s climate is made up of harsh sun exposure and high winds. Roofs in this type of weather must be extra durable and the first way to ensure that is to choose the best roofing materials. Using top grade roofing material will also extend your roof’s lifespan, ensuring that minimal repairs are needed.
8. Hire a Professional Roofing Contractor When Needed
Nothing is as important as hiring a professional roofer for any roofing maintenance or repairs. A professional roofer is needed to catch issue signs early and can make necessary repairs, to prolong the roof’s lifespan. A professional also knows all the ins and outs of the severe weather of our Northern Phoenix climate. Trust Legacy Roofing when questions arise. We have lived in the area our entire life and know how to ensure the value of your home.
Need Help With Your Roof Maintenance Needs?
You don’t have to feel all alone when it comes to maintaining your roof deck, shingles, flashes, seals, and all other important parts. There is always a roofing professional available at Legacy Roofing to help!
Contact Legacy Roofing today for your regular maintenance or roof cleaning.