Roof Maintenance Services

Your roofing system is a valuable investment and a very important element of your building property. Think of it this way – your roof experiences the hot sun, pounding rain, powerful wind gusts, and snow and ice before any other element of your home! Over the years, roofs decay and need repair and replacement – that’s just the laws of physics at work. But there are plenty of actions that you can take to prolong your roof’s vitality along the way. Proactive roof maintenance is smart and responsible, and can save you money!

Below, please read tips and insights to help you get the most out of your roofing system for years and decades of good service. Maddocks can be of vital assistance if you don’t have time or the confidence to tackle roof maintenance tasks yourself!

01.

Clean Your Gutters

Your gutter system is designed to collect water runoff from your shingles and direct it away from the foundation of your building. When gutters become clogged, water can back up underneath your shingles and overflow onto your siding or brick work. You’ll also eventually get flooding in your basement – not good!

02.

Limit Moss and Algae growth

Environmental factors can contribute to moss and algae growth on your roof; these include a north-facing roof (if you live in the northern hemisphere), lots of shade trees, and a wet/moist climate. Moss absorbs water, and large clumps of moss growing on your roof can damage shingles by raising the shingle edges and exposing the undersides to water. Algae can leave ugly, dark streaks on a roof’s surface. Algae stains can be minimized with a solution of chlorine bleach and water. If your roof’s environment is conducive to moss or algae, your best solution may be regular treatments.

PRO TIP: StreakGuard™ Algae Resistance Protection on Owens Corning® shingles is made possible by using a specialized copper-lined granule from 3M, a leading producer of roofing granules.

03.

remove nearby tree branches

Similar to the potential problems from walking on a roof, trees can disturb roof granules by rubbing against shingles, especially during windstorms. Trim branches as much as necessary so that even on the windiest of days, they aren’t touching your roof or gutters.

04.

Clear off organic debris

Trees provide shade in the summer and add beauty to your landscape. Unfortunately, they’re a constant source of debris, from maple leaf “helicopters” in spring to fallen leaves in autumn. Organic matter can absorb water, causing your shingles to remain in contact with moisture for lengthy periods. In addition, when rainwater runs down your roof, it can pick up debris, leaving it to settle in your gutters. Remove organic residue from your roof at least twice a year or more, depending on your region’s tree activity. You may be able to gently remove the debris with a broom or leaf blower depending on roof access, for example, from an upstairs window. Remember, don’t use a tool that would rub the shingles’ surface because it could dislodge roofing granules.

05.

Make Sure Nearby Wall Cladding and Windows Are Watertight

After a major rainstorm or extended period of precipitation, it’s a good policy to check the exterior of your home. Look for areas that remain moist or show streaks of wetness. You might have gutter or soffit problems, causing water to cascade down your walls rather than through the downspouts. Also, check your windows; look around the sills and casings for warping or loss of caulk. These are all areas that can lead to moisture infiltration.

06.

inspect flashing

Flashing helps ensure a watertight seal in areas where two roof planes meet. For example, you might find flashing where your chimney or vent pipes emerge from the roof. Flashing is often placed in roof valleys – the channel created when two roof slopes converge. Find a safe, comfortable vantage point to view flashing, perhaps a second-story window. If you see that the flashing is rusted, dented, missing fasteners, or the sealant is rotting away, you may want to contact a roofing contractor. They can inspect the flashing in greater detail to see if a repair or replacement is necessary.

07.

examine the soil stack

Some vent pipes are sealed with a rubberized gasket. Over time the gasket itself or the accompanying sealant can dry out and fall apart. Periodically, check that all roof penetrations are sealed tightly against the elements. Again, if you notice this from a safe vantage point, call a contractor to get an official inspection.

08.

beware of ice dams

Snow on the roof and cold temperatures can bring an increased risk of dreaded ice dams. Ice dams form when rooftop snow melts (due to sun exposure or heat transfer from the roof deck), trickles down your roof and then refreezes over the eaves. Eventually, the snowmelt has nowhere to go, and it begins to pool on the shingle surface. This can lead to shingle degradation and water infiltration into the roof deck. Your best option is to have a professional check your attic for adequate ventilation and insulation. Balanced attic ventilation and adequate insulation can help limit ice dam buildup. A balanced attic ventilation system permits moisture-rich warm air to exit via exhaust vents (typically placed high along the roof ridge) and allows cooler dry air to take its place (thanks to intake vents along the soffits). Properly placed attic insulation helps prevent heat transfer from the conditioned spaces of your home into the attic.

PRO TIP: To further seal your roof against moisture infiltration from ice damming, consider using an ice and water barrier product that adheres to the roof deck directly beneath shingles. Ice and water barrier products are a critical part of the Owens Corning Total Protection Roofing System® and a practical solution if you’re looking to replace your roof and live in a region with severe winter weather.

Smart Roofing Practices

01.

Confirm Open Ventilation

Proper ventilation is a key concept in the Owens Corning Total Protection Roofing System®. Replacing warm, humid attic air with cool, dry air helps defend against mold and mildew in the attic and prevents ice dams on the roof. Check the following to help ensure intake and exhaust ventilation vents are working correctly:

In the attic spaces: Make sure airflow is not blocked from insulation, stored items, or insect hives, including the pathway up to the exhaust.

Soffits: Check soffit screens are free of debris and paint.

PRO TIP: Owens Corning’s Raft-R-Mate® Attic Rafter Vents fit neatly between rafters, offering space for air to flow freely and preventing accidental blockage of soffit vents.

02.

Connect Dryer and Bathroom Vents Directly to the Outside

It’s essential that the moisture-laden air from dryers and bathrooms makes it out of your home! In new construction, building codes always require outdoor venting.

If you’ve purchased an older home, make sure that fans aren’t venting into the attics or crawlspaces. Adding warm, humid air to an attic or crawlspace can lead to mold and mildew problems. Periodically check your dryer hoses or ducts to make sure they’re crack-free and securely attached.

03.

Avoid downspout discharge on the roof

Downspouts that travel from one level of your home’s roof to another should cover the entire span. Make sure the upper downspout connects to a lower-level gutter. This avoids runoff flowing over the same section of your roof every time it rains, which can lead to dislodged granules and algae stains over time.

Dislodged granules can prematurely age shingles. Without their protective granule coating, shingles experience increased UV exposure, making them more prone to warping and cracking.

PRO TIP: Make sure all the water discharge from the roof is flowing away from the foundation of your home

Get Started with Maddocks Construction

These roof maintenance tips will help to keep your roofing system in tip-top shape for years and years, sparing you unnecessary roof repairs as well as roof replacement expense before its time. If you are unprepared to handle these inspections or tasks for any reason, Maddocks Construction can be of vital assistance! Please reach out to us here and let’s have an important conversation about your VERY important roofing system that protects your property and those who live or work beneath it.

Roof Maintenance FAQs

What is roof maintenance?

Roof maintenance is the proactive process of inspecting, cleaning, and repairing a roof to ensure its longevity, structural integrity, and protective function. It involves regular, checks for damaged shingles, leaking seals, and clogged gutters to prevent minor issues from becoming costly, major repairs.

How often should a property owner schedule roof maintenance?

Proactive roof maintenance involves regular, typically bi-annual (spring/fall) inspections, etc.

What kind of roof maintenance do professional roofing companies do?

Professionals check for cracked/loose flashing, granule loss, and damaged seals around chimneys, skylights, and vents
Debris Removal: Removing branches, leaves, and dirt that can trap moisture and cause algae or mold growth.
Ventilation Check: Ensuring attic vents are clear and functioning properly to prevent moisture buildup and heat damage

How much does roof maintenance cost with Maddocks Construction?

Roof maintenance costs for residential homes typically range from $300 to $1,500 for minor repairs, inspections, and cleaning, with an average of around $350 for a basic “tune-up” (cleaning, sealing, inspection). Moderate, professional repairs (e.g. repairing leaks, damaged flashing) generally cost $1,000–$3,000, while extensive, major repairs can exceed $3,000–$8,000.