When it comes to roofing in San Antonio, there are a few maintenance tips that can help extend the life of your roof. With warmer weather in South Texas, proper upkeep and maintenance is essential to keeping your roof working to its full potential.
To help, here are 6 roof maintenance tips you can do to get the most out of your roof. Doing these will reduce the chance of unforeseen repair costs down the road.
1 – Get a Roof Inspection
One of the easiest ways to ensure your roof is still in working condition or determine if it needs repair is to regularly have your roof inspected. This doesn’t need to be done frequently, but once a year is a good idea.
Having a professional roofing company in San Antonio inspect your roof can actually help save repair costs down the road.
What to Expect from a Roof Inspection
During a roof inspection, your roofing company will inspect all the important areas to maintaining a strong roof. This includes checking the attic as well as the interior ceiling to make sure there are no water leaks. They will also check for loose or missing shingles as well as signs of mold.
Often you can tell if a roof is wearing down if there are missing granules, damage to roof flashing, cracks or other worn spots when looking at the roof.
If a roofer finds that there are significant signs of wear and tear, this may be a sign that the roof needs repair or replacement. At the end of the day, it’s better to know whether your roof needs repair or not. And regular inspections will aid in determining this.
2 – Clean Out Your Gutters
Often overlooked as a key component to roofing in San Antonio, cleaning out gutters is an absolute necessity. This is because when gutters get clogged up with leaves and other debris, this can actually damage your roof.
Gutters serve to move water away from your home and foundation, but if not regularly cleaned out, they can’t properly do their job. If they are not free of debris and water, it makes it much easier for moisture to build up underneath your roof.
Needless to say, water that stays in your roofing structure is not a good thing as leaks, mold and other issues are much more likely to form within your roof.
You should clean out your gutters twice a year with proper tools and materials. We recommend once in the spring and again in the fall to ensure optimal performance.
It’s a small task that can save you big in the long run.
3 – Remove Moss and Mold
Particularly in homes that are surrounded by larger trees, moss can be another issue to address. While performing maintenance, it’s a good idea to clean this off of your roof, particularly in seasons with higher allergens.
You can do this by spraying moss remover on your roof. Usually you will spray it on your roof and let it sit for a while and then brush it away with a hand-held broom or brush that is soft. If you use something too course, you risk removing granules from your roof. You’ll want to avoid this as the granules are important for protecting your roof from the sun’s rays.
Along with moss, mold can also sometimes be present. If so, the cleaner can usually take care of both of these issues.
4 – Trim Branches that Overhang
Another important aspect to roofing in San Antonio is keeping your roof clear of tree branches. As you’re outside, take a look at your roof. If you see that there are any branches that are hanging over your roof, you’ll want to trim them.
While it may seem harmless, when trees are to close to a roof, their leaves fall onto the roof. When this happens, they begin to pile up. In doing so, moisture also begins to accumulate.
When this happens, your roof will naturally retain some of that moisture. If it does, you start having issues like rotting tiles as well as potential mold.
When tiles begin to rot, your roof becomes much weaker as a result. After enough time, this will cause serious damage to your roof.
So as you’re doing your at home maintenance, be sure to trim up those overhanging branches. If uncomfortable doing this on your own, often tree trimming services in your area can do this for you at a reasonable cost.
5 – Check your Chimney and Vent Openings
While a standard roofing inspection should include this, if you decide to go it alone, you’ll want to inspect your chimney and any vent openings on the roof. What you’re looking for here are any signs of bricks or mortar that’s cracked as well chimney flashing.
As mentioned in our previous tips, you’re trying to keep water and other elements out. Damage to vents and your chimney can mean that there is an entry point for water.
If you notice any signs of damage, you’ll want to have the area repaired and resealed. If unsure, it’s best to always consult with a professional roofing company in San Antonio to advise on necessary repairs to your roof.
6 – Check on Your Roof Sealant
From time to time, roof sealant needs to be reapplied. The main thing you are looking for is wear and tear. If the sealant looks like it’s worn out, it probably is and needs to be resealed.
Generally, this requires removing the sealant that was in place and applying all new sealant to the affected areas. While this may sound like a tedious process, it is one the best things you can do to extend the life of your roof.
Need Help with Roofing in San Antonio?
As you can see, a little maintenance can go a long way in ensuring a lasting and proper functioning roof. If after looking at your roof, you are unsure what maintenance is necessary, we recommend first contacting us for an inspection.
Our team of dedicated roofing professionals regularly perform thorough inspections for homeowners in and around the San Antonio area. In doing so, we have helped many people with minor repairs to complete roof replacements. And all at affordable and fair costs.
