13 roof maintenance tips homeowners need to know
By Thumbtack Staff•Last updated Nov 15, 2022
Last updated Nov 15, 2022
Table of Contents
- 1. Schedule a roof inspection
- 2. Inspect your roof after major weather
- 3. Stay on top of seasonal maintenance
- 4. Replace broken or missing shingles
- 5. Fix damaged flashing
- 6. Add or replace roof sealant
- 7. Clean your gutters and downspouts
- 8. Repair your gutters
- 9. Trim your trees
- 10. Keep critters away from your roof and chimney
- 11. Add or upgrade your insulation
- 12. Make sure your attic is ventilated
- 13. Remove excess snow to avoid ice dams
- Hire roofers on Thumbtack
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It’s sometimes easy to forget that your roof needs some TLC. Taking the time to perform routine maintenance can extend your roof’s lifespan and protect your home’s interior. It may even save you money on energy costs.
If you think maintaining your roof just requires an inspection now and then, you’re wrong. Yes, you should get a roof inspection, but proper roof maintenance also means maintaining your gutters, downspouts, insulation, ventilation, trees and more.
Check out this list of essential roof maintenance tips every homeowner should follow, and learn which experts you should hire to help with the major tasks and repairs.
1. Schedule a roof inspection
Unless you're hanging Christmas lights or cleaning the gutters, you probably don't spend much time up close with your roof. That's why it's a good idea to get your roof inspected by a professional at least once or twice a year to look for serious damage or normal wear and tear that needs attention.
You should also walk around your home and look up for these signs that work may be needed:
- Broken or missing shingles
- Damaged flashing
- Damaged or sagging gutters
- Noticeable shingle decay or piles of granules
- Moss, mildew or mold growth
- Broken or clogged gutters
If you spot any of these issues, call a roofing expert who can safely and thoroughly inspect the damage and recommend repairs.
2. Inspect your roof after major weather
It’s always a good idea to inspect your roof after a big storm, rain, snow, wind or other weather event. For example, in the spring, check to make sure the following didn’t happen during a winter storm:
- A tree branch fell on your roof.
- You’re missing roof tiles or shingles.
- There are ice dams or buildup in your gutters or downspout.
- You see icicles hanging from the edges.
- Your roof is sagging or close to collapsing from heavy snow and moisture.
If you notice any of these signs, contact a roofing contractor ASAP.
3. Stay on top of seasonal maintenance
Every season, there are several steps you should take to prepare and protect your roof from weather and other natural elements. For example:
In the spring: Inspect your roof for damage and leaks. You should also hire a gutter cleaner to remove any debris that may have clogged your gutters during the winter.
In the summer: Make sure your attic is properly ventilated, insulated and not too hot. Otherwise, you risk damaging your roof. An overheated attic, combined with moisture, can damage your decking and roofing shingles, according to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association.
In the fall: Inspect your roof for cracks so you can avoid leaks during the winter months. Seal any cracks the roof inspector finds. Also, unclog your gutters to prevent water damage and ice dams from forming during the winter.
In the winter: Remove excess snow from your roof and prevent ice dams. For example, talk to a roofing expert to see if installing heat cables is a good idea for your home.
Throughout the year, keep an eye on your roof and your home’s interior. If you notice leaks, missing shingles, debris, roof sagging or water damage inside your home, get a professional’s help to identify the problem and find a solution.
4. Replace broken or missing shingles
Broken or missing shingles can lead to roof leaks and interior water damage. Loose shingles can also fall off in high winds. A quick visual inspection can tell you whether any shingles need repair or replacement. If you spot anything that looks off from the ground, have a professional inspect the roof before the damage gets worse.
While you may be able to replace a couple of shingles fairly easily, it's best to find a roofing contractor to do the job — especially if you don't feel comfortable on the roof or aren't sure how to match new shingles to old ones. Find out how much your repairs will cost by requesting a free estimate from several roofers near you.
5. Fix damaged flashing
Roof flashing diverts water from specific areas of the roof that may be prone to leaks. If the flashing is broken or comes loose, rain or snow can seep in and cause water damage. It's important to check the flashing around a chimney or skylight, as well as along any overhangs or roof valleys where ice dams are prone to forming.
A professional roofer can help you inspect flashing and replace any damaged or missing sections.
6. Add or replace roof sealant
While you're checking and repairing the flashing, it's also a good time to inspect the caulking. Sealant can help protect your home from daily weather exposure and prevent leaks. Talk to your roofing contractor about using sealant for any new gaps and cracks they find on your roof.
You should also ask your roofer whether your old caulking should be removed and replaced with new sealant. The sealant surrounding vent pipes, chimneys and counter flashings can shrink and expand in the cold and heat, according to Family Handyman. As caulking ages, it becomes dry and less flexible, which means it can crack instead of expanding and contracting. Those cracks become vulnerable to rain and snow, which can lead to water damage.
7. Clean your gutters and downspouts
Gutter maintenance is a major part of roof maintenance. Clean gutters and downspouts help rain and condensation flow away from the roofline. Gutters filled with leaves, sticks and other debris can clog, causing water to seep under the roof and even into the foundation. Clogs can also cause ice dams to form in winter.
Clean your gutters any time there's been a big storm or if you notice leaves and other debris clogging them. If you don't feel comfortable getting up on a ladder, hire a cleaning professional instead.
8. Repair your gutters
In addition to cleaning your gutters, you should also inspect them for needed repairs. If your gutters become damaged or broken, no amount of cleaning will help them function properly.
You might need to repair or replace your gutters if:
- Your gutters are sagging or leaking.
- You notice rust or holes.
- Your gutters or downspouts are loose or dented.
- There’s standing water in your gutters.
- Your fascia boards (the trim board under your gutters) have water damage.
Depending on the damage, you may be able to DIY the repair. Or, you can contact a gutter or roofing professional. They can help you decide whether it's worth repairing your gutter system or whether you should invest in new gutters and guards.
9. Trim your trees
If you have trees or tall hedges near your home, a storm can easily knock down leaves and branches.
Leaves can collect on your roof, trapping moisture that can lead to mold or water damage. Overhanging branches close to the roofline also give squirrels and other pests easy access to your attic, where they can cause all kinds of problems. And besides clogging your gutters, larger tree limbs might damage shingles or, in the worst case, break through the roof.
Trimming your trees at least once a year — experts typically recommend trimming before fall and winter — can prevent overgrowth and remove dead or dry limbs that can easily break off.
Pruning and trimming large branches is best left to tree trimming professionals. They’ll know how to safely remove the limbs and properly shape your trees.
10. Keep critters away from your roof and chimney
Critters can wreak havoc on your home’s exterior, including your roof. Here’s a look at the damage animals and pests — birds, squirrels, bees, raccoons and more — have been known to cause:
- Shingle disintegration
- Roof and siding stains
- Holes and cracks in your roof
- Blocked and clogged gutters
- Major structural damage
- Damage to insulation, piping and electrical wiring
So when you’re inspecting your roof, also look for “loose vent screens, roof holes and warped siding or trim board that is deteriorated and pulled away from the wall,” suggests The Humane Society. You should also have your chimney inspected by a professional to make sure no animals are inside. If not, invest in an animal-proof chimney cap if you don't already have one.
If you notice signs of critters on your roof, inside your chimney or inside your attic, contact a pest control service ASAP.
11. Add or upgrade your insulation
Heating your home keeps you warm when temperatures drop, but if your roof and attic are not properly insulated, that heat can escape. Not only could you be losing money on energy costs, but that escaping heat can also cause roof problems.
When hot air meets the roof, it can melt snow sitting on top. And when the temperature outside gets colder, the water can refreeze and cause ice dams to form. Having your roof insulated correctly can prevent this from happening. Even if you already have insulation in place, it may be time for an upgrade. Aging insulation can deteriorate over time and can be damaged by leaks and pests.
Icicles and ice dams forming along your gutters may be a sign that you need new insulation. To check your old insulation or add new insulation, call an expert. An insulation contractor can help you determine your needs, including the type of insulation that's best for your home.
12. Make sure your attic is ventilated
It might seem counterintuitive, but in addition to proper insulation, a well-ventilated attic can also protect your roof from damage. Ventilation works with insulation to keep your home warm and your roof cool.
With proper attic ventilation, you can lower attic temperature, remove excess moisture, prevent your roof deck from overheating and reduce ice damming. By preventing ice damming and moisture, you may also lower the risk of mold and mildew growth as well as wood rot, according to the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants.
Homeowners should have their ventilation checked any time they add or upgrade insulation. An insulation pro can help with this.
13. Remove excess snow to avoid ice dams
If you live in an area that gets heavy snowfall, snow can pile up on your roof and freeze, leading to leaks and ice dams.
To prevent this from happening, you may need to hire a professional to rake your roof. However, avoid DIYing this dangerous task, recommends Consumer Reports. You don’t want to risk icicles or blocks of snow falling and hitting you.
Hire roofers on Thumbtack
You can handle some simple roof maintenance tasks yourself. However, if you don't have the right tools and experience or simply don't feel comfortable on a ladder, your best bet is to leave it to a professional.
Search for a roofing expert near you on Thumbtack. Take time to compare professionals and get several free price quotes before making your decision.
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