Roof Maintenance

Birds are actually one of the most overlooked and highly damaging causes of roofing issues! They have extremely acidic droppings that erode all types of roofing materials but are especially damaging to tar-based shingles and can shorten a roof’s lifespan by half. Their nests attract invasive insects and cause drainage issues. Gutters with nests lead to pooling water which can seep under shingles and cause mold and rot. Nest are also highly flammable, so if they are near rooftop HVAC units, chimneys, or other machinery they increase the risk of fire.

They gather and bond into decaying mats creating perfect conditions for mold, fungus, and even weeds to grow. If left unchecked, the roots work their way into the roof, destabilizing it and making it vulnerable to damage. Leaves also trap moisture. With traditional asphalt shingle and tile roofs, the moisture leads to rot beneath the surface. With flat and metal roofs, excess moisture can cause the protective coating to break down faster and wet leaves can stain the finish.

While winter months generally cause most roof damage, the summer heat is not to be underestimated. Extreme heat can cause sealants to crack, adhesives to weaken, and shingles to warp. Dark-colored roofs absorb high temperatures causing chemicals to break down quicker.

Your roof came with a 25, 30, or even 50-year warranty, but that doesn’t mean you can ignore it for the next few decades. It’s durable and will last a long time, but it’s still vulnerable to damage. Regular maintenance includes clearing leaves and nests, checking sealants, flashing, and fasteners, and monitoring the condition of your roofing materials.

Roofs are easy to forget about. They’re high and out of sight and it’s hard to know if a problem is developing. Even if you get up there and clean the leaves off yourself, there are things a roofer knows to look for that you might miss. Regular maintenance by roofing professionals gives you the peace of mind that you are preserving the life of your roof, detecting issues before they develop into costly repairs, keeping out pests, and protecting everything inside your home.

Our milder winter climate makes it possible to perform roof maintenance at really any time throughout the year. However fall is the perfect time to check your roof. It’s important to clear leaves, check gutters, and inspect shingles before the winter storms begin. It’s also a good idea to check it again in the spring to make sure winter storms didn’t create any new damage.

We have a checklist developed over our 40 years of experience with every type of roofing issue imaginable! Some of the things we look for are wear and tear to the roof surface, expansion joints, flashings, and drains. We also check for cleanliness and inspect any potential damage from moss, leaf buildup, and debris. Finally we look for both interior and exterior signs of structural damage and check supports for roof HVAC systems. Lastly, we clean the gutters and downspouts to ensure water flows away from your home quickly and efficiently.

Having Harbert perform regular roof maintenance is the best way to eliminate the potential of a surprise leak from normal wear and tear or the roof aging process. However, it doesn’t provide a warranty against leaks. That’s where your roofing material warranty or homeowner’s insurance comes in.