Keep Up Roof Maintenance in Winter

Roof Inspections You Can Trust

Maintaining Your Roof in Winter

Here in the Southwest, we tend to ignore our roof, one of the most critical features of our home, because we have so many days of sunshine every year. But, then the monsoon season comes and all of a sudden we regret not doing our routine maintenance because we have a big, expensive roofing problem.

You can only expect your roof to last about half as long as it should if you don't regularly maintain it. Your roof accumulates damage every day from the elements – rain, the hot sun, even pests and people walking on it. Pile on to that the even more intense heat and periodic heavy rains from the monsoon season and it’s a disaster waiting to happen. You could have a big roof repair just waiting to happen and you're completely ignorant of it.

So, what do you do to maintain your roof in the winter to prepare it? What should you be looking for? Who should you call?

There are 3 main things to do to extend your roof's lifespan – properly maintain it when needed, get it inspected regularly and get repairs done quickly when they're needed.

Roof Maintenenace You Can Count On

Get Your Roof Inspected

Before the monsoon season begins, at least once every year, you should have your roof inspected – especially if its a flat roof and its over 15 years old. Our roofs here in Arizona get hit the hardest during the winter rain between December and February and the monsoon season between June and September. When it rains here, we have drops in temperature that happen suddenly, causing thermal shock, compromising your roof's surface.

In your roof's warranty, it probably has a clause that voids the warranty if you're not properly maintaining it, so its critical to keep up with regular maintenance, schedule routine inspections and fix any necessary problems as soon as possible.

Regularly Maintaining Your Roof

If you're not scared of getting up on your roof and checking it out, here's a couple things you can do help your roof's lifespan. Take the correct safety steps if you do, because one of the leading causes of serious accidents around a home is falling off a ladder. Also, be careful walking on it, especially if its older, because it can cause some serious damage and weaken your roof if you do.

• Prevent your gutters from clogging and water from ponding by removing andy debris that accumulates – any small branches, leaves or organic material.
• Check if there is any water ponding  if your roof is flat.
• Check your chimney, vents or skylights for any leaks around their edges.
• If you find any cracks or splits, they can be sealed with asphalt emulsion mixtures.
• If you have any trees or branches hanging over your roof, trim them back.

Promptly Repair and Inspect

There are some roofing issues that you should leave to a professional roofing contractor. Find an experienced, licensed, professional roofer like Mikku and Sons Roofing if you find any of these problems:

• If you find pests like insects, birds or bees.
• Leaks in your interior ceilings or damage from a storm.
• Tiles or shingles that are broken or missing.
• Damage after a serious hail storm.
• Buying a new home – get a professional inspection every time.

Mikku and Sons Roofing, (623) 465-1068, has been providing quality roof replacement, roof installation and roof repair services, including shingle, tile and flat roof repair, to Phoenix and the surrounding communities. We’ve been a reputable, quality roofing contractor since 2001. If you need your roof to be inspected, or need rooutine maintenance to be performed on your roof before the upcoming storm season, give us a call.