Your roof and gutters are valuable assets and as such should be properly maintained to keep you home leak free. Most manufacturers require annual roof inspections and corresponding documentation to maintain the roof's warranty; this can be performed by the homeowner, but because of safety concerns it is usually preferable to hire a roofing contractor to perform the inspection.
Recommended Gutter Cleaning Schedule [recommended by the NRGCA]
Gutters systems should be cleaned and inspected a MINIMUM of twice a year in the Fall and Spring.
- Spring (late February through end of April): to rid your gutters of accumulated winter debris. Foliage, blossoms and pollen strings are blown off the trees, which clog your gutters providing a perfect breeding ground for mosquito
- Mid to late summer (July through August): thunderstorms and wind, all contribute to large accumulations of debris Leaves, sticks and debris clog your gutters and cause water problems to your siding, windows and foundation
- Early fall (September through mid-October): falling leaves quickly accumulate in your gutters The sheer volume of leaves requires the gutters to be cleaned out to function
- Late fall (late October through the end of November): clean gutters help prevent ice damming This gutter cleaning is a balancing act of waiting for most leaves to be off the trees before the freezing temps arrive
Gutter Cleaning
- Clean gutter system free from debris for correct drainage
- Check for pooling water or otherwise not draining properly in any section
- Check for sagging or pulling away gutters or downspouts
- Check for holes & cracks in the gutters or downspouts
- Check and make sure all seams and connections are secure
- Check entire gutter, roof and chimney for any areas of concern
Recommended Roof Inspection and Maintenance Schedule
Roofs should be inspected AT LEAST once a year. With the extreme weather conditions your roof never gets a vacation. An annual inspection you will ensure and longer life of your investment along with a worry free and leak free roof. Flat roofs manufactures require annual inspections to keep the warranty in place.
Shingle, Slate, and Cedar Shake Roofs [recommended by all manufactures and the NRCA]
- Clean all debris from the surface of the roof including debris gathered behind skylights, valleys and pipes
- Check all sealants and flashings to make sure that they are not deteriorated and need resealing
- Check all mortar on chimneys both in between the brick and on the top crown
- Check for damaged, missing, or broken shingles, slate or shake
- Check skylights for signs of condensation between panes and integrity of the frame
- Check entire roof surface for possible damage caused by wind, trees or vermin
Low Slope Roof Systems [required by all manufactures to keep warranty effective]
- Clean all debris from the surface of the roof including debris that has gathered around drains and pipes
- Check the condition of any roof coatings to make sure there is no excessive peeling or flaking
- If your roof has a gravel surfacing check to make sure no bare spots present
- Check all sealants and flashings to make sure that they are not deteriorated and need resealing
- Check all mortar on chimneys and parapet walls, both in between the brick and on top
- Check for signs of ponding water, blisters or loose seams on the roof
- Check skylights for signs of condensation between panes and integrity of the frame
- Check entire roof surface for possible damage caused by wind, trees or vermin
Copyright 2021, All Rights Reserved |