4 Roofing Resolutions for the New Year

Homeowners should consider roof maintenance for the new year. This is the perfect time to inspect the roof for signs of excessive wear, leaks mold and debris in the gutters.

Not only does maintenance prolong the lifespan of your roof, but it also prevents costly water damage. Here are some tips to keep your roof in tip-top shape this year.

Learn to Identify Leaky Rooftops

Learn how to identify leaks coming from your roof. They could reveal other underlying issues and damaged areas. Leaks should be repaired immediately to prevent more extensive damage. Water damage can cause mold, mildew, frame rot and damage to the insulation.

Start with the attic, and look for signs of water damage. This includes watermarks, mold, mildew and visible water drips. If you have someone to help you, give them a water hose, and have them spray the exterior surface of the roof while you examine the area inside for leaks. Remove the shingles in any area suspected of causing a leak. Look for discolored, rotted or water-stained surfaces.

Identify Signs of Excessive Wear

Some roof problems can be fixed, but others are more serious. Learning about these signs can help you to make informed decisions about how to maintain your roof during the coming year.

Here are some easy signs that may indicate a roof replacement:

• Missing granules and completely bare areas on the roof

• Roofs installed 20+ years ago

• Curling shingles, or shingles that show signs of cupped shingle tabs, cracking, and/or bald spots

Remember to Clean the Gutters

Learn how to clean your gutters after extreme weather conditions. Kirkland’s seasonality brings heavy rainfall, freezing temperatures, pine needles, fallen tree limbs, and other heavy debris that can clog up your gutters. Cleaning should occur at least once a year.

Collect your supplies: These include…

• A stable ladder

• Bucket

• Gloves

• Long-sleeve shirt

• Eye protection

• Face mask

• Hand tools

You will also need a garden hose and an optional air compressor.

Locate the downspout: Start cleaning near the downspout by removing debris by hand. Have a friend hold the ladder for safety and additional stability. Use a garden trowel or hand spade to assist in removing the debris.

Clean methodically: Carefully work towards the downspout by moving the ladder as needed. After removing all debris, wash the gutter out with the high-pressure nozzle from the garden hose. Make sure the downspout remains unclogged during this process.

Remove Any Mold or Moss

Thanks to our wet climate, moss and mold can coat the shingles on the roof. This often opens up space where water can seep through, which leads to leaks. Leaks can cause water damage and degradation of the roof materials over time, so it’s important to deal with this issue as soon as you become aware of the problem.

If you clean the moss off the roof, you will need safety equipment to keep yourself from falling. The process is simple, but the work can be dangerous.

• Use a tall ladder to get onto the roof and secure yourself with a safety rope and slip-resistant shoes.

• Use a garden hose to rinse off the moss and mildew with a high-pressure nozzle.

• Clean the remaining moss off the shingles with a soft-bristle scrubbing brush. Start from the top, and scrub gently to avoid damaging the roof. Clean one section at a time.

Remember: Never use a pressure washer on a roof with shingles. The pressure may be too great for the roofing materials and could cause premature damage instead of helping!