Shingles are a very popular roofing material. Both because of their affordability and their versatility. If you want your shingle roof to last, it will need regular maintenance. Although your shingle roof may look good from a distance, it could well have unseen underlying issues. Here are some pointers to help you take care of your shingle roof.
What Can Damage Your Shingle Roof?
Several factors can lead to shingle roof damage.
The most common damaging factors can include:
- Natural elements: These include rain, wind, hail, sunlight, and snow.
- Organic build-up on your roof: Including mold, mildew, and algae.
- Poor roof installation and repair workmanship
- A drastic change in building use: A home converted into an office space can lead to external changes. Humidity and ventilation conditions can change which can affect the longevity of your roof.
Clear Unwanted Debris
Most residential roofs are designed at a slanted angle. This allows for good water runoff. But sometimes unwanted debris can prevent roof drainage. Debris includes leaves, soil, small rodents, and even trash. Over time, debris can absorb water. This can cause rot and can damage your shingles. An easy cure is to inspect your roof for any unwanted debris. It’s recommended to call in a professional roofer as climbing on your roof can be dangerous.
Replace Damaged Shingles
The South Florida Hurricane season can be unforgiving. Harsh wind and rain can damage shingles on your roof. A damaged roof can lead to roof leaks, wooden frame rot, as well as algae build-up. But how do you identify damaged shingles? Here are the main signs:
- Cracked shingles
- Buckled shingles
- Discolored shingles
- Shingle cupping
- Loss of granule layer
- Curling Edges
Many of these signs can often be spotted in your garden. But some of these issues can be easily missed from a distance. This is why it’s best to conduct scheduled maintenance on your shingle roof. This will allow for a roofing contractor to conduct regular inspections to identify any damaged shingles. Once your contractor has identified the damaged shingles, they will repair them.
Clear Your Gutters and Downspouts
Gutter maintenance is another important task. The best times to check these are during winter and summer. It’s easy to forget about your gutters because you mostly can’t see if they’re blocked. An effective gutter clean requires a thorough gutter inspection. A roofing contractor will remove any debris in your gutters and downspouts. It’s also good to check that your gutters are in full working order and connected tightly to each other.
Maintain All the Seals
Roof flashing, vents, skylights, and chimney seals form an important part of your roof. They connect your shingle roof to elements of your home. These areas can be weak points and need to be maintained regularly. Flashing can develop cracks over time, which can lead to a water leak. Your roof seals need to be checked and maintained regularly by a professional. Maintaining these will also help to prolong the life of your shingles.
Shingle Roof Maintenance in Jupiter & Coral Springs
As you have seen, maintaining your shingle roof is not something you should neglect. At ABC Roofing Corp. we offer a full range of residential roof repair services. Our service area includes Broward and Palm Beach counties. We can also offer you a scheduled maintenance plan for your roof. Call ABC Roofing today at 1-954-344-4622. Our trusted roofing team always has you covered!
