What Maintenance Services Are Worth Having Done On A Shingle Roof?
Some people have a shingle roof installed and never touch it again until decades later when they need to have it replaced. Is this a good approach? Not usually. Had those same people taken the time to maintain their shingle roof over the years, chances are, they would have gotten a few more years out of it. Maintenance can make a huge difference for a shingle roof. But what maintenance tasks are worth having done? Here are some top ones to consider.
Roof Cleaning
Having your roof professionally cleaned every few years will help nip algae or moss growth in the bud. It will also make sure any caked-on leaves and other debris are removed so they don't trap moisture against the roof and lead to premature decay. Sometimes, homeowners assume they can just clean their own shingle roof by power washing it. However, a power washer will dislodge the granules from the shingles, which will only hurt their longevity. Professional roof cleaners have solutions and equipment to clean the roof without causing any additional damage in the process.
Popped Nail Treatment
Sometimes as a roof ages, some of the nails start popping out of the roof deck a bit. They are not that obvious since they're still under another layer of shingles. However, if you look closely at the shingles, you may see little raised, bubbled spots where the nail heads underneath are lifted. These popped nails can let tiny bits of water trickle down into the roof deck. This may not be enough moisture to cause a noticeable leak in the attic, but it may cause the roof deck to start rotting prematurely. A roofer can come to find popped nails, nail them back down, and then seal them in place with adhesive so they don't pop back up again.
Flashing Reinforcement
Before the shingles start showing signs of damage, the flashing often starts lifting from the roof's surface. Sometimes, the adhesives used to hold it down are just not strong enough to last several decades. Even slightly peeling flashing can lead to leaks, and it can allow water in that starts to compromise your shingles. Have a roofer come re-secure your flashing every few years, and your whole roof should last longer.
With these basic tasks completed, even if only on occasion, your roof will remain in better condition over the years. Talk to a roofing contractor to learn more.
