Roofing Checklist – 5 Maintenance Tips You Can Complete Yourself

Upstate New York weather isn’t always the friendliest to a roof. The summer is the perfect time to inspect your roofing system and ensure everything is in good condition before we experience another harsh winter. A roof inspection can highlight damage to areas such as the gutters, flashing, and shingles, indicating where your roof might need maintenance. 

This checklist features some important roofing tasks you can do yourself to ensure your roof remains in good health throughout the changing seasons.

1. Clean Out Gutters and Downspouts

Clean gutters and downspouts provide a way for water to drain away from your roof and foundation. During the colder months of the year, they may get clogged with leaves, tree needles, and dirt. When debris blocks the water’s escape route, it causes water to sit in one spot. Moisture from sitting water can then deteriorate your roof, leading to leaks and damage down the road.

To clean your gutters, safely use an approved ladder and remove any debris that is trapped using work gloves. Once you clean the area, carefully flush out the remaining debris in the gutters and downspouts with water from a garden hose. If your gutters are not easily accessible, contact a company that provides gutter cleaning services.

2. Inspect Your Shingles

Most homes have roofing shingles in Upstate New York. The winter months can be rough on a roof, and your shingles often are the hardest hit. Snow buildup, ice dams, excess moisture, and wind can all deteriorate your shingles over time. 

Be on the lookout for:

• Missing Shingles: You can easily spot missing shingles without getting up on the roof. The gaps created can allow water to enter the home, making this one of the most vital roofing repairs.
• Curled Shingles: If you see curled shingles, they may stem from typical wear and tear, but they could also point to improper installation or a lack of attic ventilation.
• Shingle Staining: Stained shingles or algae growth can indicate water buildup around the area where the staining is present.

If you notice any missing or damaged shingles, it is important to get an inspection from a professional Upstate New York roof replacement company.

3. Look for Attic Mold

Always inspect your attic after the end of each season! Mold in the attic often results from improper attic ventilation that causes condensation. When moist air gets stuck inside the attic, the humidity creates the perfect environment for mold growth, especially in hot summer weather.

When inspecting your attic, look for dampness or dark stains that can indicate mold. Be aware that mold spreads quickly, so it is important to get it removed as soon as you spot any signs. Cleaning mold won’t stop it from returning. To ensure it won’t come back, the area needs to be properly ventilated by a local roofing professional.

4. Check for Algae and Mildew

Algae and mildew are common sights on roofs in Upstate New York after a long winter. This is because moisture provides the perfect environment for them to thrive. Fortunately, there are options like GAF roofing shingles with algae-fighting technology that help fight back against staining caused by blue-green algae.

It’s important that you make cleaning your roof part of your regular roofing maintenance. Some companies specialize in this, and we suggest reaching out to a professional who provides this cleaning service.

5. Inspect the Flashing

Flashing is important, as it protects the most vulnerable areas of your roof, including your chimney, valleys, and vents. In order to safely inspect the flashing on your home from the ground, we suggest using binoculars. Avoid getting on your roof, as footsteps can also loosen the granules that provide protection. While inspecting, you will want to look for rust staining and cracked caulking near the roof flashing.

After going through these five maintenance tips, if you see any major problems with your roof, contact an expert Upstate New York roofing company like Comfort as the next step. We are proud to be a GAF Master Elite roofer—a certification that is only held by 2% of the roofing contractors in the United States. 

Get a Free Roof Inspection in Upstate New York Today! 

Finding a quality roofer isn’t always the easiest thing. That’s why it’s important to only work with an established New York roofing company with a name you know and people you can trust with your home. When you choose Comfort Windows & Doors, you know that your roof will be replaced right with the best roofing system using quality GAF products—we even come to your home for a free roof inspection and estimate!

Call or fill out our online form today to get your free roof replacement estimate in Upstate New York.