Your asphalt roof is made to last for decades. However, to a great extent, its performance depends on how you care for it. Accordingly, a neglected asphalt shingle roof inevitably wears down faster as it is more vulnerable to weather elements, falling debris, etc.
For an optimally performing asphalt roof, you need the intervention of a professional roofer because they have the necessary skills, tools, and experience. Another reason for enlisting a roofing service is to protect you from the risk of being on your roof and potentially resulting in accidents. So, here are some steps that a roofer takes to ensure your asphalt roof's continued effectiveness:
Routine Cleaning
Your roof cannot last long if it is laden with debris, so your roofer will regularly come to clean and tidy things up. In addition to doing this for the shingles, they also pay attention to gutters, downspouts, flashing, chimneys, and eavestroughs. For example, using a blower, your roofing contractor may blow any leaves, small branches, and other items off your roof, ensuring that none end up beneath the shingles. Afterward, you can also call for tree trimming services to minimize debris. You may also want to invest in a protector for the eavestrough to keep debris from building up.
Routine Inspections
To determine the condition of your asphalt roof, your roofer will have to climb up your roof and conduct a thorough inspection. In particular, they check for the presence of mold, debris, damaged asphalt shingles, or a compromised chimney. A favorable time for roof inspections if often during spring or fall, as this is when temperatures are ideal, and it is easier to catch early signs of damage.
Prompt Repairs
A professional inspection can reveal many roofing issues, all of which should be addressed immediately to help maintain the integrity of your roofing. At the same time, prompt intervention prevents major problems from snowballing. Some of the required interventions involve repairing or replacing damaged or missing shingles.
Additionally, valley and other flashing around the chimneys and roof vents need to be looked at because they could be corroded, cracked, or no longer in position, which could easily lead to a leak. The gutters may also need repairs or replacement, depending on their condition. For instance, rusty and sagging gutters may be beyond repair and require replacement. On the other hand, caulking or patching leaking sections could work if the damage is not dire.
These are strategies that roofers implement when the need for routine asphalt roof maintenance arises. You should try as much as possible to stick to the recommended maintenance schedule as it is the only way to keep your roof functional.
