Very few things in life come close to the excitement and fear that new homeowners feel. Many new homeowners spend weeks preparing to transform a house into a home. The effect is so strong that many chores, like mowing the grass and cleaning pet hair, don’t seem like chores. Roofing maintenance in AZ is different.
No one wants to stand out in the sun and look for trouble spots. Climbing on a hot roof for an up-close inspection is even worse. However, roof maintenance is much more important than other household chores. It affects your health and safety and the value of your largest financial asset.
To take some of the fear out of the roof maintenance process—and it is a process—we put together this checklist for new homeowners. Proper roof maintenance is the best way to ensure that the roof does what it’s supposed to do and looks good. If routine maintenance reveals any problems, don’t try to tackle them yourself. Call a professional instead. Your emotional and financial investment must be protected.
Exterior Inspection
Most people know that they need to cut the grass once every week or two and vacuum pet hair off the floor just as frequently. But roof maintenance is out of sight and out of mind. Many people only think about roof health when they see water leaks on the ceiling or other such trouble signs.
At that point, the problem is expensive and invasive. A professional will charge a lot of money, and a crew will be in and out for at least several days.
Phoenix homeowners should regularly inspect roof tiles, outside gutters, and attic insulation to avoid such issues.
People usually can’t see hairline cracks in roof tiles and other issues, especially from a ground-level inspection. But most people can spot missing shingles, out-of-place shingles, and other more serious issues. Many Arizonans overlook gutters since it usually only rains in September. However, a tiny bit of water does a great deal of damage. To ensure gutters whisk away water, they should look for sagging gutters that indicate a blockage. Sagging gutters also stretch the roof and compromise its physical integrity.
Insulation and ventilation are such important issues that they merit their own section. We’ll discuss these inspections below.
Supplement frequent, usually monthly, inspections with professional inspections. The frequency depends on the roof’s age, size, and other factors. However, count on annual professional inspections, at the minimum.
Interior Inspections
Most people consider “the roof” to be just the exterior. The roof system also includes attic insulation and ventilation. Inadequate insulation and/or ventilation could send heating and cooling costs through the roof (pardon the pun).
Homeowners can look for major problems, like broken vents and wet insulation. However, a professional must, for the most part, use advanced equipment to measure efficiency in these areas.
Follow-Up
Usually, inspection follow-up means cleaning the roof. Roof cleaning chemicals are available at home improvement and hardware stores. You can also use a 50-50 chlorine/water mix. A garden hose will do, but a pressure washer is better.
The washing should be enough to clean the gutters. Check the area under the downspout. If it’s dry, the washing didn’t clear all the dirt and other debris, so sweep the gutter clean with a broom.
Follow-up also includes maintenance-related activities, like sealing gaps. Such simple follow-up maintenance significantly extends a roof’s usable life. Schedule professional maintenance as well. A professional should come out regularly, whether or not your roof has issues. So, it’s essential to partner with a professional who is not also a salesman.
Finally, on this point, always remember that roof issues never get better. They always get worse.
Top 5 Roofing Maintenance Questions in AZ
In our experience, many of our clients have similar questions regarding roof maintenance. Here are the answers to the top five queries we encounter most frequently.
How often should I inspect my roof?
Most residential properties should have an annual professional inspection. However, more frequent inspections may be required for commercial buildings or areas prone to harsh weather conditions, like extreme sunlight.
Conduct Level One DIY inspections as much as possible. When you pull out of or into the driveway, look up, as well as left and right. Closer Level Two DIY inspections are usually required after heat waves or other extreme weather events.
What signs should I look for that indicate a roof problem?
Common signs include missing or damaged shingles, moss or mold growth, water stains on ceilings or walls, and granules in gutters. When you see such issues, call a professional straight away.
How can I maintain my roof to increase its lifespan?
Regular inspections, prompt repairs, cleaning, and preventive measures like applying sealants can significantly increase the lifespan of your roof. Also, ventilation should be adequate for the square footage. Record these maintenance activities, if not on video, then in a logbook. If you file a claim, this documentation increases the chances of approval.
What steps should I take if I detect damage during a roof inspection?
Seek immediate assistance from a professional roofing company like Four Peaks Roofing. Don’t attempt to repair significant damage yourself, as this can lead to further damage or personal injury. Don’t hire day laborers either, as that creates liability issues.
Why should I hire professionals to do roofing maintenance in AZ?
This question is a good one. Most people trim their trees, fill small sidewalk cracks, and do other things themselves. Professional roofers have the expertise and equipment to safely and effectively maintain your roof. They can spot potential issues that may be overlooked by untrained eyes, ensuring that small problems don’t become big ones.
Count on us to keep your roof in tip-top shape.
