Roof Maintenance


The best preventative maintenance that one can do is perform semi-annual inspections to identify and solve problems as they occur.  Roofs get more abuse from the elements than any other part of the building, and preventative maintenance is a key element to saving money on your roof by providing a longer service life.

Asphalt Shingles

• Clean all debris from the surface of the roof.  This includes debris that has gathered behind HVAC units, pipes and pitch pans, and any other roof penetrations.  Debris has a tendency to hold water, and water will expedite roof deterioration, especially if your roof is asphalt based such as a built-up roof or asphalt shingles.
  
• If your roof is starting to collect moss or algae, install some zinc or lead control strips.
  
• Check all flashings and make sure that they are not deteriorated and there are no holes in them.
  
• Keep algae off of the roof surface.  Install zinc control strips along the hips and ridges if necessary.
  
• Dab some roof cement under any loose shingle tabs.  One dab on either side should do.
  
• Replace any damaged shingles.
  
• Keep all gutter free of debris.  Make sure that the downspouts are draining properly by water testing them.
  
• Trim back any overhanging tree branches.
  
• Check the open valley metal for rust.  Wire brush the rust then prime and paint the metal.  If rust is prevalent, it can be removed using Rust-Away® Oxidation and Corrosion Remover.  Manufactured by Hocking International, 2121 Hoover Ave., National City, CA 91950. Ph: 619/474-8457 Fax: 619/477-5630.  It works very well.  Paint the valley with Rustoleum® or similar product afterward.
  
• Check all caulking and sealants.  Scrape and remove any caulking that is weather cracked and damaged.  Clean the area thoroughly.  Use a wire brush if necessary.  Reapply a polyurethane caulking such Vulkem, NP-1, or equivalent.
  
• Check the mortar on chimneys and parapet walls, both in between the brick and on top.  If it’s damaged or deteriorated, have it tuck-pointed. Any mason can perform this work.

Wood Shakes and Shingles

• Clean all debris from the surface of the roof.  This includes debris that has gathered behind HVAC units, pipes and pitch pans, and any other roof penetrations.  If your roof is starting to collect moss or algae, install some zinc or lead control strips.
  
• Keep all fungus and algae from the surface.  Install zinc control strips along the hips and ridges if necessary.
  
• Check all flashings and make sure that they are not deteriorated and there are no holes in them.
  
• Keep all gutter free of debris.  Make sure that the downspouts are draining properly by water testing them.
  
• Trim back any overhanging tree branches.
  
• Check all caulking and sealants.  Scrape and remove any caulking that is weather cracked and damaged.  Clean the area thoroughly.  Use a wire brush if necessary.  Reapply a polyurethane caulking such Vulkem, NP-1, or equivalent.
  
• Check the mortar on the chimney, both in between the brick and on top.  If it’s damaged or deteriorated, have it tuck-pointed.  Any mason can perform this work.
  
• Check the open valley metal for rust.  Wire brush the rust then prime and paint the metal.  If rust is prevalent, it can be removed using Rust-Away® Oxidation and Corrosion Remover.  Manufactured by Hocking International, 2121 Hoover Ave., National City, CA 91950. Ph: 619/474-8457 Fax: 619/477-5630.  This stuff works very well.