Your roof is your first line of defense against Columbus's variable weather conditions. It'll keep you warm and dry while rain pours and snow builds up outside or cool when the sun shines.
Your roof's exposure to regular weather as well as severe conditions like hail, high winds and heavy rain means that you need to keep it well-maintained to extend its life. Keep your maintenance plan organized with a seasonal maintenance checklist of do-it-yourself tasks.
It's also important to know what you can do safely, and when it's time to find a trustworthy roofing contractor with the skills, experience and quality materials you need for maintenance and repairs.
To keep your roof in excellent condition, you can run through your list at predetermined seasonal checkpoints or after bad weather.
The Columbus, OH, climate is characterized by pronounced seasonal swings throughout the year. Summers are warm and humid with lots of rain, and winters are cold with freezing temperatures and snow. Fall and spring bring temperature changes, moisture and organic waste that clogs up gutters and weighs roofs down. Your roof can be affected by these weather conditions in the following ways:
If you're dealing with issues as they happen, it can put you on edge and cause you to constantly worry about the state of your roof. Conduct regular maintenance checks for better peace of mind and to enjoy the following benefits:
Maintenance checks are most effective when you follow a list and take proactive action at the right time of year. See the following items for each season you should add to your list:
When things start warming up in spring, it's the perfect time to check your roof for winter damage. You may find you have missing, cracked or curling shingles because of winter's freeze-thaw cycle, ice dams forming at the roof's edge, and the weight of snow and ice.
You should also clean debris out of gutters and downspouts. Check your roof for moss, algae, mold growth and damage to flashing or seals around vents and chimneys through a visual inspection from the ground.
Intense UV ray exposure over time breaks down certain roofing materials, causing shingles to lose their flexibility and essential oils, making them more susceptible to damage by other weather conditions. If you ever need to get your roof replaced, using cool roofing materials or coatings can help reflect UV rays and extend your new roof's lifespan.
You should check for blistering, faded shingles, which indicate sun damage. Note overhanging branches that need trimming, and look for signs of pest or animal infestation. The warm weather brings out animals like squirrels, raccoons and birds looking for nesting spots.
In fall, trees shed their leaves and prepare for winter, so plant debris can quickly accumulate in gutters and on roofs. Before ice and snow arrive and while it's safe, clear the roof and gutters of fallen leaves and twigs using a roof rake or similar tool.
Fall is also a great time to double-check your insulation, flashing and seals for any cracks or gaps.
A lot of damage may occur in winter, but quick action can help prevent it. Winter maintenance also presents safety hazards because of slippery ice, so try to do what you can with the correct footwear and without going onto the roof.
You'll need to check for ice dams preventing melted snow from dripping off your roof and break them up using a snow rake or similar tool. You'll also need to remove heavy snow buildup after a storm. Just watch out for falling snow!
While trying to do everything by yourself may be tempting, some tasks are better left to the professionals. The following list contains tasks that are safe to attempt:
Make sure you take proper safety precautions during maintenance tasks, such as working with a partner, using a sturdy ladder, wearing nonslip shoes and avoiding wet or icy conditions.
If you encounter the following challenges, it's time to call in a professional roofing contractor:
Roof maintenance is vital and needs to be done regularly to be effective. If you're the only one doing checks, you can miss something that could develop into an expensive repair down the road.
The following advantages are why you should contract a professional roof company for routine maintenance:
The following are FAQs about roof repair and maintenance in Columbus:
It depends on the roofing materials you're using, your local climate and how well it's been maintained. Assuming it's in good condition, you can expect the lifespan to be between 15 and 30 years for asphalt shingles. Metal, clay and synthetic materials like rubber can last even longer.
To prevent ice buildup on your guttering, remove snow quickly after storms and keep your gutters clean. Checking your attic insulation and ventilation is clear and secure will keep the warm air inside, preventing it from melting the snow on the roof. If the snow refreezes into ice, it will create drainage issues and put unnecessary weight on the structure.
These organic growths pose a problem because they trap moisture beneath them, which will damage shingles and continue to cause water damage over time if they aren't removed. These growths also reduce curb appeal and the resale value of your home, as people see them as signs that the roof is not being properly maintained.
If mold or algae has spread from roofing materials to your attic, spores can enter your ventilation system and compromise the health of people in the home.
When you opt for a professional inspection, you'll receive a service that will find and document damage, locate leak sources and ensure proper ventilation intake and exhaust to prevent moisture and heat buildup. You should get a complete report of areas of concern, next steps and cost estimates.
At Lifetime Quality Roofing and Exterior Services, we provide everything your roof will need over its lifetime. We are experienced, local professionals who tailor our work to Columbus's conditions. When you choose us, you'll receive:
A seasonal roofing maintenance checklist in Columbus is essential to keeping your roof in excellent condition for many years to come. There are a few simple do-it-yourself tasks you can check off your list, like visual inspections and clearing gutters. However, it's vital to have a professional roofer on call to do the heavy lifting and perform maintenance and repairs that require stepping onto the roof.
Repairs, installations, and in-depth maintenance require a team with the skills, experience, insurance and licensing to do the work correctly. We're proud to serve all our customers' roofing and exterior service needs with respect and integrity. Contact us today to book your free roof inspection.
