Sure, roofs are made to weather all kinds of storms, but there is going to be some wear and tear throughout the years. Seasonal or yearly checkups with help lengthen the life of your new roof by helping prevent leaks that could lead to damage and costly repairs or even another replacement if things get too bad up there. 

Ensure that your roof is ready for our Tampa Bay seasons, and help your roof stand the test of time with these seven tips from Goodfriend Roofing! 

Roof Maintenance Tip #1: Inspect the Shingles 

After wild weather months, like hurricane season, it is a good idea to check your roof’s shingles. Remember though, it isn’t just wind and wetness that can damage your roof. The ultraviolet light that comes from the sun can damage your roof over time. Examine your shingles to ensure that they are installed properly, aren’t leaking, and are functioning as they should.  

You can always trust a Goodfriend. We are here to help fix your roof and keep it secure from the elements! Call us today for a roof inspection and quote to make sure your roof is in great shape: 813-579-5789 

Roof Maintenance Tip #2: Trim Branches  

If you have any overhanging branches, have them trimmed especially before rain or hurricane season. Heavy winds and rain can whip branches around and cause them to break, causing damage to the tree, and even your roof!  

Roof Maintenance Tip #3: Unclog Gutters 

Okay so we’re not gutter experts, we’re roofing pros, but we do know that you can help avoid rot, by cleaning your gutters! Over time, gutters clogged with leaves, bugs, dirt, and other debris, can actually damage your roof.  

The rain needs somewhere to go, and if the gutters are clogged, the rain will go UP instead of down. This water can damage not only your roof but the support beams that hold it up. We recommend cleaning your gutters in spring and again in the fall. 

Roof Maintenance Tip #4: Remove Any Visible Debris  

In the Fall and Winter leaves from trees near your home can cause damage! Any leaves that have collected in the valleys of your roof need to be removed as soon as possible. Over time, the leaves will start to decompose and trap moisture against your shingles. Plus, the extra weight should they get wet isn’t good for the structural integrity of your home. 

Debris creates the perfect environment for mold, algae, and rotting wood. To remove leaves, we recommend using a strong blower, rake, or even a broom to get the dead leaves off your roof before they wreak havoc!  

Learn more: How to Tell if it’s Time to Repair or Replace Your Roof  

Roof Maintenance Tip #5: Insulate/Ventilate 

Have your attic inspected to ensure that you have the right amount of insulation. Ventilation is also important. Did you know that your attic can “sweat?” When warm air rises, meeting the roof, it can create condensation inside the plywood.  

If your roof isn’t properly insulated and ventilated, it will be at the mercy of excess moisture and ultimately rot. Also, an improperly ventilated roof will make your home hotter in the summer months. If your attic doesn’t have balanced airflow, the hot air has nowhere to go.  

Save money on your energy bill, and make sure that your home is adequately insulated and ventilated. Not sure where to start? Call Goodfriend Roofing for a consultation today! 

Roof Maintenance Tip #6: Monitor Moss  

Although moss might not be as common in Florida, it can grow on areas of your roof in shaded areas. While this might add an element of a magical forest to your roof, the damage it can cause is real. Moss can damage all types of roofs including asphalt shingles, wood, and even tile.  

Moss grows in between shingles, which over time will lift the shingles away from the roof, allowing water to get inside. Hello, leaks! To prevent damage, you’ll have to scrub the moss away.  

All about the leaks: 7 Signs of A Leaky Roof 

Roof Maintenance Tip #7: Caulk Flashings  

Flashings are strips of metal, generally made from aluminum, lead, or galvanized metal, that run along roof edges or joints. Flashings are a necessary component of your roof because they divert water from, or keep water out of areas that shingles don’t cover, such as where bathroom pipes extend through the surface of the roof. Flashing is used near walls, skylights, chimneys, and roof valleys.  

Unfortunately, flashing can rust, crack, and even lift over time. Consider sealing the flashing with caulk in the places where it is unstuck.   

Don’t want to climb up on your roof to inspect or repair your flashings? Call the local pros at Goodfriend Roofing, we are ready to help!  

Get Help from a Goodfriend 

Goodfriend Roofing is a leading roof installation contractor in Tampa Bay, Florida, and we are ready to inspect and repair your roof to ensure that it stands the test of time. From large complex roofing projects to smaller roof replacements, we’ve done it all! Request a roof repair or replacement quote, give us a call: 813-579-5789  

We look forward to serving you, and becoming your Tampa Bay roofing contractor for life!