A Homeowner’s Guide To Roof Maintenance

7 Asphalt Roofing Maintenance Tasks You Need To Do For Your Leesburg, VA, Home

Your Homeowner’s Guide To Roofing Care Throughout The Year

Any responsible Leesburg, VA, homeowner knows a lot goes into keeping your home in tip-top shape. From changing light bulbs to cleaning your windows, maintenance tasks need to be taken care of year-round. However, it’s easy to forget one of the most important parts of your home: the roof.

Your roof is crucial in keeping your home safe from inclement weather and other damage, so you must pay attention to its upkeep. Luckily, routine roofing maintenance is relatively simple, even if you don’t have much experience. 

Our team of experts has compiled a list of seven asphalt roofing maintenance tasks you need to do to preserve the life of your Loudon County area home. Let’s take a look!

1. Clean The Gutters

The first maintenance task on our list is to clean the gutters. Over time, buildup from leaves and other debris can accumulate in your gutters, blocking water flow and potentially causing damage.

You should check your gutters at least twice a year, but more often if you live in an area with many trees. Ensuring water can flow freely through your gutters is essential for proper drainage and avoiding costly damage to your home’s roof and structure. 

Additionally, clogged gutters can cause:

• Water to pool around your foundation, leading to foundation cracks
• Excessive moisture on the roof can lead to moss and algae growth
• Water can begin to seep into the basement
• Damage to walls and ceilings due to water pooling in the gutters and soaking into the house
• Increase in insects, like mosquitoes, bees, and even wasps

Always keep safety in mind when cleaning your gutters. Adhere to best practices when climbing up and down your ladder – or hire some outside help to do the work for you!

2. Perform A Visual Inspection Every Few Months

One of the more critical maintenance tasks every few months is a visual inspection of your roof.

This inspection can be as simple as walking around the perimeter of your home and checking it from your yard. You want to look for signs that could indicate an issue, for example:

• Missing shingles
• Shingles that are bent
• Dark spots throughout the roof
• Sunken spots on the roof

You are looking for anything that seems out of place or different from the last time you checked. It is imperative to check the roof after Loudon County experiences a harsh storm – as high winds could cause damage.

Remember, walking on your roof is dangerous – you should leave it to the professionals. Perform your visual inspection from the ground for safety, and set up a more formal inspection with a roofing contractor. 

3. Trim Your Trees

Trees that are too close to your roof can cause significant damage when their limbs rub against the shingles or if a branch falls on the roof during a storm. Additionally, trees with leaves and branches shading your roof will prevent proper ventilation and insulation, leading to moisture buildup and mildew growth. 

You will want to trim any trees and branches that could scrape or touch your roof in the next few months. Consistent pruning is a great way to keep your Leesburg, VA, home protected from the elements.

4. Visually Inspect Your Gutters

While cleaning your gutters is essential, inspecting them is just as important.

You will want to check your gutters for any signs of damage, such as rust and cracking. Additionally, inspect the downspouts and ensure they are securely attached and draining away from the house’s foundation. 

In particular, you will want to look during winter months for spots of ice that may be causing the gutters to bend or even break. When gutters bend or break, it can lead to water running under the roof and eventually getting into your home. 

If you see significant damage or rust, it is time to consider replacing your gutter system. Standing water is a major threat to your roof and your home’s structural integrity – you can’t leave it up to chance. 

5. Check Your Attic Or Crawlspace

If you have an attic or crawlspace in your Leesburg, VA, home, you will want to include it in your roof maintenance checklist. Some of the items to check for include the following:

• Signs of mold growth, which could signal a ventilation issue
• Any signs of sunlight as it signals there is a hole or crack in your roof
• Water spots in the attic

Ideally, you can check your attic after heavy rainfall to help you spot any signs of damage. Use a flashlight while inspecting – as it can be helpful in spotting any damage.

6. Clean The Roof

Most homeowners skip cleaning their roofs because they think it’s purely for aesthetics. However, in addition to boosting your curb appeal, a thorough clean helps to prolong the integrity of your roof.

Soft washing your roof with a water hose and a soft bristle brush is one of the best methods for performing the task. Be sure to use a stable ladder and hire a professional if you don’t feel comfortable with the process.

Scrubbing intensely is not recommended – as you do not want to damage the asphalt. Also, avoid any harsh chemicals that are not recommended for asphalt.

By cleaning your roof, you are going to provide the following benefits:

• Keeping the gutters free of debris
• Removing mold, moss, and algae from the asphalt shingles, which can decrease the asphalt integrity
• Makes spotting damage easier

7. Have A Professional Inspection

Setting up a routine maintenance and inspection schedule with a trusted professional is the best way to keep your roof in great shape. In fact, the National Roofing Contractors Association suggests you have the roof inspected twice yearly, especially when dealing with an older roof.

While the rest of the tasks on our list will help keep your roof well-maintained, a professional can spot any underlying issues you may miss. A reputable roofing contractor will perform an in-depth inspection and recommend repairs or replacements if needed.

Having a professional inspection is one of the most important steps to take if you want to ensure your Leesburg, VA, home is protected.

Get Your Leesburg, VA, Asphalt Roof Inspected Today

When was the last time your Leesburg, VA, roof was inspected? If it’s been a while, it’s time to schedule an inspection today.

Our team of certified experts is here to assist you with the inspection and to provide professional insight into what may be going on with your roof. 

Call Milcon Design & Build today at (703) 581–2761 to schedule your inspection!