Performing Maintenance on Asphalt Roofing
As with any other type of roofing, maintenance will need to be performed on asphalt roofing over time. One of the main aspects to consider is removing leaves, branches and other debris from its surface periodically. This will help prevent the growth of algae, which can be detrimental to the condition of asphalt roof shingles over time.
Debris that isn’t cleared off of asphalt roofing will also allow water to accumulate on its surface, and this will cause the shingles to warp and deteriorate. Once the shingles start warping, it allows rain, snow and ice to enter your home through the holes in the roof and this will result in serious – and costly – repair work having to be carried out.
Although DIY repairs and maintenance are not recommended on asphalt roofing, it is possible for homeowners to perform a basic visual inspection from ground level. Be sure to look carefully for signs of missing or broken shingles, a sunken section in the centre of the roof, large areas of discoloured shingles or asphalt and the development of algae.
In cases where some areas of your roof are sagging, it can indicate that the trusses and other wood sections have started rotting under the asphalt roofing.
If any of the above signs are visible on your asphalt roof, it’s strongly recommended that you hire a professional roofing contractor to attend to them as soon as possible.
What to Expect when Asphalt Roof Maintenance is Performed
When a professional roofing company arrives at your home to inspect and perform maintenance on your mastic asphalt roof, they can be expected to carry out the following tasks:
- Access your roof by using ladders and/or scaffolding so that a thorough and close-up inspection can be done
- Remove all debris that has accumulated on the roof
- Remove and/or treat roof shingles with algaecide product to prevent regrowth
- Inspect shingles for signs of warping, curling or breakage
- Check to ensure sufficient ventilation is passing through the roof
- Inspect the keyways for signs of deterioration
- Re-secure any loose shingles that are still in good condition
- Replace missing or broken shingles – if too many need replacement, it may be an indication that the whole roof needs to be replaced
- Inspect gutters and downspouts for signs of damage or blockage
- Perform gutter and downspout cleaning (if they’ve included this service in their quote)
- Provide you with a report detailing the overall condition of your roof
It’s recommended that you have asphalt roofing inspected at least once a year, and immediately after severe weather has occurred.
Asphalt roofing should also not be power washed, as it can cause the granules on the shingle’s top coat to loosen and deteriorate. This type of roofing should only ever be cleaned with a leaf blower, broom and other manual methods to ensure that it lasts as long as possible.
Expert Installation is Required
Owing to the fact that asphalt roofing will add a significant amount of weight on to a home’s roof trusses and beams, it’s essential that these elements be carefully inspected before installation takes place. Failure to do so could result in the roof collapsing and causing a significant amount of damage to the property. As with many other forms of roofing material, it should always be laid by an experienced and qualified contractor. This will not only ensure that the job is carried out according to industry specifications and safety standards; it will provide peace of mind in knowing that the new roofing installation will last for many years.
For many, Stoke Ash asphalt roofing is the ideal choice because it is affordable and works well on any type of building. While it is a durable material, its effectiveness largely depends on finding a suitable contractor to install it. Those who invest in quality workmanship will see their investment pay off with years of enjoyment.