Asphalt is one of the most durable roofing materials on the market, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t need frequent maintenance. Keep in mind, however, that there’s a proper way of maintaining your asphalt roof as well.
Trim Overhanging Tree Branches
Overhanging tree limbs can be easily knocked down by high winds onto your roof. The impact can cause cracks, and the falling branches and foliage may clog up your gutters, which can cause rainwater to spill onto your roof. Before any of these tree limbs can cause any damage, you need to cut them.
Avoid Using Pressure Washers
There’s also a risk decaying foliage and dead tree branches on your roof may stain your roof. Apart from organic decay, moss is also a possible culprit behind unsightly roof stains.
Using a pressure washer is the easiest way to get rid of the stains. But with water coming out of its nozzle at a speed of more than 200 miles per hour, there’s a chance the pressure washer will dislodge protective granules or even a few shingles. These granules protect your roof from ultraviolet (UV) rays, and, without them, your asphalt roof will be left vulnerable to cracks and leaks.
The best way to maintain your roof is by manually cleaning the shingles with a mild cleaning solution. Climbing onto a roof and cleaning it poses many risks, however. As such, it would be better to leave this kind of work to the professionals.
If you prefer to do the cleaning yourself, make sure to consult the manufacturer’s maintenance guide. Large manufacturers like GAF recommend using specific cleaning solutions for their products. If you end up damaging your roof while cleaning it, there’s a chance the manufacturer warranty will be rendered void.
Schedule Periodic Roof Inspections
Despite frequent roof maintenance, it’s inevitable that your asphalt roof will suffer some form of damage at some point. And, when it does, you need to fix it before it can worsen. A roof inspection can help you do just that.
Pritchett Bros provides a wide range of roofing services as well as premium GAF roofing products. To get a free roof inspection, call us at (812) 275-3185, or fill out this form. We serve homeowners in Bloomington, IN.
