The Few and the Fearless: A Blog About Roofers

If you take good care of your asphalt shingle roofing, it will have the longest life possible. However, any type of roofing can be destroyed in a bad storm since strong winds can even take a house apart. Still, the better condition your roof is in, the better it can resist wind damage. Here are some repairs and maintenance you may want a roofer to do before the storm season arrives.

1. Look For Loose Shingles 

Shingles can sometimes come loose along the bottom, and that allows wind to lift them. When asphalt shingles are first installed, the bottom is adhered to the roof with an adhesive strip. If the adhesive dries out and crumbles away, the shingle might flap when the wind gets strong. The rest of the time, the shingle is flat so you won't know it's loose. When the roofing contractor checks your roof, they can look for signs of loose shingles so they can add adhesive to secure them back in place.

2. Remove Branches

If a big branch is stuck on the roof, the roofer may remove it and toss it to the ground. Branches that slide over the roof knock off granules. Granules are important for the longevity of the shingles, so it's always important to keep debris off of your roof. If that's the only problem with your roof, you can probably call a handyperson to clean your roof when something gets stuck on it.

3. Check That Gutters Drain

Gutters protect your roofing by giving a place for water to drain away. If the gutters are clogged up, water may back up and get under the last row of shingles or get the fascia boards wet. This could cause water damage and rot. Gutters should be cleaned and repaired when needed. Your roofer may advise you to call a gutter cleaning and repair company if your gutters need it.

4. Replace A Cracked Rubber Boot

The pipes that protrude through the roof from fans and plumbing usually have rubber boots or collars. The rubber can crack or crumble due to sun exposure. If the rubber is damaged, it might get blown off during a storm. Even if the crack just widens, rain can leak in, so it's good to replace a damaged rubber boot before it becomes a roof leak.

5. Check Valley Flashing

The valley in your shingle roof is probably lined with metal flashing. That's because the valley acts like a drain and handles a lot of water when it rains. The metal adds extra protection from the water. If the flashing has come loose or has a hole in it, repairs should be done so the roof doesn't leak when it rains a lot during the storm season.

To find out more, contact a local roofer today.