Performing basic roof maintenance tasks is key to maximizing the lifespan of your roof and reducing the potential for costly repairs. However, certain jobs must be left to professional roofing contractors due to the risk of injury or further damage. Here are some dos and don’ts of roof maintenance from the experts at C&M Roofing and Construction.

Roof Inspection Dos

– Inspect your roof at least twice yearly, especially after storms.

– Look for cracked, curled, or missing shingles/tiles.

– Check that flashing and vent pipes are secure and watertight.

– Prune tree branches hanging over the roof.

– Inspect the attic for moisture or water stains on the rafters.

– Contact us for a free roof assessment if issues are noticed.

Roof Inspection Don’ts

– Don’t walk excessively close to edges, especially when wet.

– Avoid direct inspection of steeply pitched roofs without fall protection.

– Never conduct electrical work or make repairs during inclement weather.

– Don’t attempt repairs without proper caution like fall protection gear.

Debris Removal Dos

– Routinely remove leaves, pine needles, and twigs from your roof and gutters.

– Carefully sweep away debris accumulation near vents and valleys.

– Inspect gutters and downspouts, cleaning them out if clogged.

– Trim back tree limbs preventing debris removal access.

Debris Removal Don’ts

– Don’t walk directly on the roof surface when clearing debris.

– Avoid working on ladders or at heights during inclement weather.

– Don’t stand on the edge of the roof or use the roof itself as a platform.

Moss Removal Dos

– Address moss growth early before it damages roofing materials.

– Hire professionals to safely apply moss-killing fungicide solutions.

– Prune overhanging tree branches providing moisture.

Moss Removal Don’ts

– Never walk on the roof to manually scrub away moss growth.

– Don’t apply acid-based cleaning products which can damage roofing.

– Avoid attempting to power wash a roof yourself.

Granule Replacement Dos

– Have professionals reapply matching mineral granules to worn asphalt.

– Inspect sealant condition around flashing, vents, and penetrations.

Granule Replacement Don’ts

– Never attempt spreading new granules yourself on a steeply pitched roof.

– Avoid using non-matching granule colors that could void the roof warranty.

Flashing/Valley Sealing Dos

– Keep leaf debris and moisture from collecting in valleys and flashings.

– Check that caulk and sealant around roof penetrations remain intact.

– Address cracks or gaps that may compromise the watertight seal.

Flashing/Valley Sealing Don’ts

– Don’t attempt rerolling or reworking flashings and valleys yourself.

– Avoid applying sealants without the proper safety precautions in place.

Vent Screening/Cleaning Dos

– Routinely remove any debris blocking intake/exhaust vents with a stick.

– Use a compressed air product annually to clear out vent interiors.

– Contact us if vent screens become rusted, torn, or improperly secured.

Vent Screening/Cleaning Don’ts

– Never attempt to climb onto the roof to access vents yourself.

– Don’t use a power washer to directly clean vent screens or openings.

Minor Repair Dos

– Flag any areas where shingles/tiles appear loose, cracked, or worn.

– Mark locations of active leaks inside for roofer inspection.

– Report problems immediately to prevent further deterioration.

Minor Repair Don’ts

– Avoid attempting even simple repairs without proper safety gear.

– Never walk directly on roofing materials to complete spot repairs.

– Don’t patch or seal membrane or flashing issues yourself.

As you can see, many maintenance tasks are best left to trained professionals. We offer affordable service plans and prompt service to ensure your roof’s optimal performance for decades. 

Don’t risk DIY mistakes – Rely on C&M Roofing and Construction for all your roofing needs to be safely and efficiently addressed.