Maintaining Your Asphalt Shingle Roof

Maintenance of asphalt shingles

Proper maintenance of asphalt shingles will ensure that your roof stays looking good for many years to come. A poorly maintained roof system will need repairs or a full replacement sooner than necessary. You can avoid this by following the recommendations of a reliable roofing contractor. You should also make sure that you clean your gutters at least twice a year. Clogged gutters will negatively impact your asphalt shingles.

As long as you maintain them properly, asphalt shingles are relatively low maintenance and can last for up to twenty or 25 years. If you encounter a problem with the asphalt shingles, you can easily fix them by applying a sealant to the cracks or holes. Asphalt roofs are also fire-resistant, meaning that they can save your building in case of a fire. However, extreme weather conditions can damage an asphalt roof and can cause it to lose its performance. Not only that, but asphalt roofs also use petroleum, which is not good for the environment.

Regular visual inspections of your roof will allow you to notice obvious issues early on. If you aren’t comfortable climbing a ladder, you can call in a professional roof inspection company. They’ll use the right equipment to fix the problem properly and safely. In addition, they’ll check your roof for other problems that might need attention.

As a homeowner, you may wonder what you need to do to maintain asphalt shingles. Thankfully, they’re among the most affordable roofing materials available. Depending on the quality and amount of maintenance you provide, they can last anywhere from fifteen to thirty years. Despite this, they require regular inspections and maintenance to keep them looking great. If you’re planning to install an asphalt roof, you might want to consider gutters. They can help protect your asphalt shingles from damage and keep them looking great for many years to come.

Proper installation and maintenance of asphalt shingles is just as important as the quality of the roof itself. Choosing the right shingles and other roofing accessories will make a big difference in the look and longevity of your roof. Because asphalt shingles are easy to install and maintain, they are widely used by roofing contractors. The ARMA’s website offers helpful information on the proper care of asphalt shingles and other modified bitumen roofing systems. Since the 1970s, the popularity of asphalt shingles and modified bitumen membrane roofing systems has steadily increased. They are one of the most trusted roofing materials available and continue to grow.

Preventing damage from high winds

Wind damage can be a serious problem for any roof, but it can be especially troublesome for asphalt shingles. Wind can tear off sections of shingles and can crack them, or the shingles themselves can fold or tear. Wind damage to a shingle roof is often not visible, so it’s important to prevent damage before it gets out of hand. However, it’s important to remember that wind damage doesn’t necessarily mean your roof needs to be replaced.

One of the easiest ways to determine if high winds have caused a problem to your roof is by looking for loose shingles and gutters. This can be a sign of severe wind damage. Also, check your roof for damaged flashing, mortar, and chimney.

Another important way to prevent high wind damage is to prevent overhanging branches from growing near your roof. Overgrown branches can scratch the roof and rip open shingles. You can also prevent these problems by keeping the trees around your property trimmed. Additionally, it’s a good idea to bring heavy outdoor items indoors during storms. Even small twigs can cause damage if they get caught in the wind.

As wind damage is a common problem for asphalt shingles, taking extra precautions can prevent extensive damage to your roof. These steps can save you from expensive repairs in the future. Choosing a qualified roofing contractor is also essential in preventing wind damage to your roof.

You must also check the shingles for signs of damage. If they are damaged, they should be fixed immediately. If not, they can crack, break, or come off by themselves, creating water openings. If you don’t fix these problems promptly, they can cause major damage to your roof.

While most roof repairs are expensive, storm damage is one of the most common causes of roof damage. While storm damage can occur anywhere on the roof, the best way to avoid costly repairs is to prevent it before it happens. Storms bring wind that rips off shingles or nails from your roof. Therefore, make sure to reinforce your front row of shingles with adhesive and the right number of nails.

Cleaning gutters

Cleaning gutters is an important part of maintaining an asphalt shingle roof. It keeps your roof free from debris and prevents water from overflowing. It also helps protect your foundation. Clean your gutters regularly and use a gentle broom to avoid damaging the shingles.

It is recommended to clean your gutters twice a year, once in spring and once in fall. This cleaning helps prevent the accumulation of debris in the gutters, which can cause a variety of damage to your roof and shingles. If you cannot do this task yourself, you can call a gutter cleaning service to perform the task for you.

When cleaning gutters, remember to wear protective clothing, including rubber gloves and long sleeved shirts. Wearing gloves is important to prevent cuts. You can also wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes. A ladder will be useful to clean the gutters, but be sure to have someone to help you.

You should clean your gutters regularly to prevent excess water from seeping into your home’s foundation. This could lead to expensive repairs. In addition, overflowing gutters can also attract termites and other pests. Keeping your gutters clean can help you prevent these costly repairs from happening.

Before you begin the cleaning process, remove any debris from your gutters. Remember to wear safety glasses and heavy work gloves. Once the gutters are clear, you should wash them thoroughly with water. If needed, you can use a garden hose with a spray nozzle to rinse the remaining debris from the gutters.

Cleaning gutters is important for any roof. Water that is not properly channeled off your roof can damage your siding, landscaping, and foundation. It can even contribute to a leak. It is recommended to clean gutters every spring and fall before rainy seasons. You can also try applying bleach to the moss to eliminate it.

Checking for hail damage

When maintaining asphalt shingles, you must always check for damage caused by hail. Hailstones can cause roof leaks and damage by knocking off granules. Even a small impact can cause a large hole, allowing water to get inside. The most common signs of hail damage include bruising and indentations on shingles.

Hail damage can be hard to spot without a good eye, but it’s important to check for any signs of damage. Look for bruising and cracking on the shingles or the metal ridge cap. Hail damage can also cause dislodged granules, which can be spotted in the gutters and downspouts.

Checking for hail damage can also be done on the siding and deck of your home. If your roof is affected, you can check for the affected areas, as well as any vent caps and skylights. Hail can damage the shingles as well as the surrounding areas, including gutters, vents, and skylights.

If you don’t have access to a ladder, you should try to avoid climbing on the roof. However, if you’re confident in your skills and knowledge, you can try looking through the shingles from the ground. You can also check for damage from the side of the roof that faces the direction of the hailstones. Look for areas where the mineral granules have fallen off, and then check for the shingle substrate. The granules that have fallen off will be exposed, and will be unweathered by the sun.

Small hailstones usually don’t cause significant damage, but even a dime-sized stone can tear shingles and ding the fascia and gutter system. Larger hailstones, on the other hand, can cause extensive roof damage. They can even cause punctures.