Asphalt roofing is by far the most common type of roof that you'll see around Central Texas and the rest of the U.S. Although more homeowners are choosing metal roofs these days, the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association estimates that 80% of homes have an asphalt roof.
People choose asphalt roofs because they are cost effective, have a lifespan of 25-30 years and are easy to maintain. The last point is important, because low maintenance doesn't mean maintenance-free. To get the best performance and most years out of an asphalt shingle roof, regular maintenance is needed.
In this post our roofing experts are sharing their advice on which regular maintenance measures are most important for an asphalt roof. By performing regular maintenance your asphalt roof should last for years to come.
Debris Removal and Cleaning for Asphalt Roofs
The top coating of asphalt shingles is there to provide a protective layer, but it needs protection as well. When debris falls on the roof and collects it can lead to a variety of issues.
In addition to clogging the gutter system, tree limbs can rub the top layer of granules off asphalt shingles or cause them to break. Even if the shingles aren't damaged, a buildup of debris could cause mold, algae and mildew to grow on the roof.
Unfortunately, many property owners think the debris will simply blow off. Not only is this a safety hazard, it might also be an inaccurate assumption. Many roofs have eaves and channels where debris can get stuck and won't go away unless someone physically removes it.
So what can you do? The simple solution is to clean the roof. That's right, you can clean an asphalt roof.
How regularly you need to clear off debris depends on what trees are around your home. Aim to clean the roof at least once every month or whenever debris is collecting, particularly in the fall.
Steps for clearing debris and cleaning an asphalt roof include:
- • Start by bagging up as much debris as possible.
- • Next, sweep off the remaining debris. Pay careful attention around eaves and roof edges since the texture of an asphalt roof can cause debris to cling.
- • Clean out the gutters and downspout so that water can flow freely and drain away from the structure.
- • Remove any mold, mildew or algae with a 50/50 mixture of water and bleach.
If you find that there's a lot of debris that's causing issues, talk with a professional roofer about some possible solutions. At LOA we've helped clients reduce debris buildup with solutions like mesh grate protectors that are placed in the eaves.
Cut Back Overhanging Limbs and Plants
Something you can do that's related to debris removal is to cut back trees and plants that are contributing to the problem. The benefits of pruning plants extends beyond less debris gathering on the roof. Overhanging tree limbs can cause significant damage to an asphalt roof. Plants that are touching the roof line also give pests and animals easy access to your roof where they can get inside and do more damage.
While you're doing the debris removal and cleaning, look to see if there are any tree limbs and plants that need to be cut back. You may find you'll need a tree trimming service for larger branches that need more than pruning.
Annual Roof Inspection
Having an annual roof inspection is a good idea for any property with asphalt roofing. It's a great way of knowing how the roof is aging and what condition it's currently in. You can do a DIY roof inspection or have a professional roofer assess the entire roof, paying careful attention to any seams, flashing and spots where vents are protruding out of the roof. Look for signs of damage, moisture and loose hardware. Doing an annual roof inspection will help you catch minor roofing issues that are easy to fix before they become major issues.
Did you know LOA offers FREE roof inspections? Schedule your roof inspection to find out how your asphalt roof looks!
Get Your Asphalt Roof Inspected After a Storm
Here in Central Texas storms can blow through basically any time of year. There have been times when we experience snow storms, hail storms and severe thunderstorms all in a single year. Ice, freezing temperatures, hail and high winds can all significantly damage an asphalt roof, even if it was recently installed.
If your area was hit by a storm, it's always best to have a roof inspection to look for wind, water and hail damage. A professional inspection is going to be needed to file a claim to cover any repairs or a roof replacement. At LOA we help our clients through the claims process and can even contact the insurer on their behalf.
Add an Asphalt Roof Coating
An asphalt roof coating can be applied as a maintenance measure with added benefits. The roof coating can add an extra layer of UV protection. It can also be applied to an older asphalt roof to make it more durable and extend the life a little longer. Another option is to add a coating with copper-coated granules to prevent the growth of algae.
Ultimately, a roof coating will make it even easier to maintain an asphalt roof and increase its lifespan, which makes it a good investment.
Why You May Want to Hire a Roofer for Asphalt Roof Maintenance
It's possible for a property owner to maintain an asphalt roof on their own, but enlisting the help of a professional roofer may be the better option in some situations. You may want to hire a roofer for asphalt roof maintenance if:
- • Safety is a concern - Going up on a roof is always risky. Some property owners may decide it's best to let a professional handle overhead maintenance that can't be done from the ground.
- • You don't have the time - If you simply don't have time to do asphalt roof maintenance yourself, you'll need someone else to do it for you.
- • Clean out the gutters and downspout so that water can flow freely and drain away from the structure.
- • You don't have the tools - Some property owners call us for their roof maintenance needs because they aren't equipped to do it themselves and would rather invest in maintenance services than the equipment.
- • You can get the service for free - Not every asphalt roof maintenance service is offered for free, but things like an annual roof inspection are often complimentary.
- • Roof repairs are also needed - If you know that your asphalt roof needs a repair or two, it may be cost-effective to have the roofer perform maintenance services while they're doing the repair.
Let the professional roofers at LOA handle your asphalt roof maintenance! You can stress less knowing that you're getting expert roof maintenance services that will help extend the life of your asphalt roof.
Contact the LOA team to schedule a FREE roof inspection!