How to Safely Clean and Maintain Your Roof: Tips for Homeowners

Maintaining your roof not only prolongs its life but also keeps your home safe and looking its best. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to safely clean and maintain your roof:

Inspect Your Roof Regularly

Check your roof bi-annually, in spring and fall, and after major storms. Use binoculars from the ground or safely use a ladder. Look for missing, damaged, or curling shingles; moss; and debris.

Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Clear your gutters at least twice a year and after heavy storms. Removing leaves and debris prevents water buildup that can damage both your roof and foundation.

Remove Moss, Algae, and Mildew

Apply a moss removal product suitable for roofs or mix 50% water and 50% bleach to kill moss and algae. Spray the solution and gently scrub off the moss with a soft bristle brush, moving from top to bottom to avoid lifting shingles.

Trim Overhanging Branches

Cut back branches that hang over your roof annually in late fall or early winter to prevent them from rubbing against the roof and dropping debris.

Prevent Ice Dam Formation

Before winter, check that your attic is well-insulated and ventilated to prevent uneven roof temperatures that can cause ice dams.

Check for Ventilation and Insulation

Proper attic ventilation and insulation improve roof longevity. Annually check that heat and moisture buildup are controlled, as both can lead to roof rot and weakened shingles.

Look for Leaks in Attic and Ceilings

Regularly check your attic and ceilings for water stains or mold, indicative of leaks.

Repair Damaged Shingles and Flashings

Replace or repair damaged or loose shingles and flashings promptly. Consider hiring a professional roofing company for these tasks to ensure safety and quality.

Perform Professional Inspections

In addition to your inspections, have a professional inspect your roof every few years to spot potential issues and provide expert maintenance advice.

Seasonal Cleaning and Checks

Adjust your maintenance activities based on the season, focusing on gutter cleaning and damage inspections in fall and spring, preparing for snow in winter, and ensuring cleanliness and ventilation in summer.

Safety Tips for DIY Roof Maintenance

As a homeowner, there are plenty of things on your home maintenance to-do list. However, it’s important to keep your roof at the top of that list because it’s one of the most important (and expensive!) parts of homeownership.

When you’re DIYing roof maintenance, here are a few things you can do to keep safe:

• Use a Sturdy Ladder: Make sure it's secure and on solid, level ground. ‍
• Wear Non-Slip Shoes: Choose shoes with good traction to prevent slips. ‍
• Use a Harness: If you must walk on the roof, wear a safety harness anchored securely. ‍
• Never Work Alone: Always have someone with you when working on the roof for safety reasons.

Knowing When to Call for Professional Help

It’s easy to forget about your roof—until you have a problem. Regular roof maintenance can help you catch small problems before they turn into bigger, more costly ones. Generally, you can complete visual inspections of your roof a couple of times a year. But sometimes, you need to call a roofer to complete a professional roofing inspection.

If you notice extensive shingle damage, significant leaking, sagging, or daylight coming through the roof boards, it's time to call a roofing company.

A roofing professional can give an honest evaluation of your roof's condition. They can identify issues that are not immediately apparent to the untrained eye and advise whether simple repairs will suffice or if a full replacement is necessary. At Allen’s Roofing, our goal is to keep your home and family safe with a reliable roofing system.

Maintain Your Roof to Keep It In Good Shape for Years to Come

By following these maintenance steps, you'll help prevent major repairs, extend the life of your roof, and keep your home safe and dry through all seasons. If you’re unsure about whether your roof needs repair or replacement at any point, it’s important to connect with a roofer as soon as possible.

Need a roofer for your home in TN? Located in Cookeville, Tennessee, we proudly serve homeowners throughout The Upper Cumberland area. Contact us today to get started.