The Do’s and Don’ts of Asphalt Shingle Roof Maintenance in Michigan

The roof is the major investment when building a house for home owners. With huge investment comes huge responsibility as well for the maintenance. Regular maintenance checks and cleaning gives your asphalt roof a longer lifespan. Some do’s and don’ts shared below will save you from costly repairs. To give your roof a long and a good life it is best to have a proactive approach. Not only are asphalt shingles an important part but all other components of the roof are important and should be taken care of. Make sure to clean and inspect other areas of your roof as well. These include the vents, flashings, gutters, skylights and solar panels if installed.

Some Do’s for your Asphalt Shingle Roof are:

·         Clear any debris or unwanted items: Ensure that the roof is cleared of any debris, branches or any other items that could damage the flow of the water or cause and hindrance. You need to keep a clean roof so shingles can maintain their life. Debris can get accumulated in the gutters and block water flow resulting in moisture retention. Extra unnecessary weight on shingles damages them as well. Clean any moss growth since it weakens the shingles and gives way to leakage.

·         Trim overgrown trees or any plantation near your roof: trim any unwanted overgrown branches or plantation reaching your roof. This way you clear the roof and also avoid any moss growth that could damage your shingles badly.

·         Run checks on the roofing system: Check that the gutters are clean and not broken. Check the flashings as well as skylights. Ensure there are no formed cracks near the flashing and chimney. Gutters are free flowing and have no blockages. These checks help you resolve issues while they are small.

·         Carry out small repairs: Weather can cause unexpected damage to your shingles. Look for curled, damages or missing shingles after a storm, heavy rain or in the routine check. Repair any damaged or missing shingles to avoid leakage and structural damage. Check for sealant cracks around the roof and fill them up as well to avoid water leakage.

Don’ts for your Asphalt Shingles:

·         Do not use a pressure washer: At times the shingles can get stained or their color might change. Do not use a high pressure washer to clean them. The high pressure washer will loosen the shingles and remove the granules of them as well. Loosened shingles can cause leakage. Granules can block the gutters and also cause shingles to be damaged easily.

·         Using harsh chemicals for cleaning: Do not use harsh chemicals for cleaning. While the chemicals will rid your roof of any unwanted growth, they can corrode the gutters and pipes and also damage the area where the water flows out.

While everything can be done by homeowners it is recommended to get a professional roofers so they can provide you the best services efficiently and give your roof the life and care it deserves.