Owners of private houses often forget about the roof. Indeed, this element of the home does not require constant attention. However, the roof must also be adequately maintained to extend its service life and quickly detect the need for repairs. Another critical issue is roof cleaning, especially techniques like roof soft washing. This article will tell you in detail what to do and when to do it.
Inspection and Assessment of Roof Condition
This crucial step allows you to identify problems at the stage of their emergence. This way, you will be able to take timely measures.
When
We recommend inspecting the roof regularly, namely in the spring after the snow melts, especially if you do not live in the house in the winter or in the summer after heavy rains or hurricanes.
How
If the roof is simple, gabled, or single-pitched, you can independently assess its condition by visual inspection from below. If it has a complex shape — many valleys (the place where two roof slopes converge and form an internal angle) hidden from the eyes of the observer located below — then it is worth inspecting the roof from above. To do this, you can use a ladder, and recently, it has become possible to launch a drone.
If you have access to the under-roof space (attic), you can walk along it after heavy rain/downpours, which last, for example, at least 30 minutes. The presence of traces of leaks on the internal structures of the roof or the floor indicates damage to the roof.
Obviously, if there are leaks on the upper floor’s ceiling (ceiling) during heavy precipitation or when the snow melts, it is also necessary to examine the roof for damage.
What
If deformation of the roofing material is noticed somewhere, it means that it requires repair.
If damage to the roofing material or leaks are detected, a specialist must be called for a more detailed study of the sheathing, waterproofing layer, and roof structure. Violation of integrity can lead to dampness and, as a result, fungus, with a loss of strength in the roof structure. Only a specialist can say exactly what kind of roof repair is required.
If you observe a lot of plant debris or moss and lichen growth on the roof, it is worth starting the second method of roof maintenance.
Roof Maintenance
In this case, all actions will concern only the roof and roofing since a properly constructed roof does not require maintenance of its structure.
These measures mainly concern complex roofs with valleys that can retain debris and create a comfortable moss and lichen growth environment.
When
Regularly, as far as possible, but at least once a season, in summer and autumn, during the period when natural debris (leaves, branches, dirt) can accumulate on the roof or moss or lichen can appear.
What
Vegetable debris. If tall trees grow near the house or it is located in a forest, especially a spruce forest, then leaves and needles will accumulate in the valleys in the summer, especially if the roof covering is not smooth, which retains debris on the surface.
Vegetation. On the north side of the roof, moss, lichen, or small vegetation can grow – this is completely normal. If precipitation does not wash everything away naturally, then the question arises — is it possible to clean the roof? Yes, it is possible, and sometimes even necessary, subject to certain recommendations and safety standards.
Snow. Suppose the roof structure is durable and built according to all technological requirements. In that case, the roofing material is high-quality and durable, the angle of the roof slope assumes unimpeded, natural descent and melting of snow, the edges of the roof are equipped with snow retention, the matte, dark surface holds the snow, attracts the sun’s rays and the former melts faster, then there is no need to clean the roof from snow.
However, it is advisable to remove snow from the roof if at least several conditions coincide:
- the snow level on the roof is more than 50 cm;
- warming or rain is predicted, which means the snow will become damp and heavy.
The roof structure does not assume a large load from the outside, the quality of the roof does not inspire confidence, and the roof is dilapidated.
How
Only mechanical cleaning can be singled out from the care methods when necessary. But should you do it yourself? Even if the slope of your roof is minimal, there is still a risk of falling and injury without specific safety equipment and skills. Therefore, it is better to contact specialists.
Roof Repair
If the roof and its roofing are built in compliance with technology and with high-quality, durable building materials, then repairs may not be required for decades. However, if damage to the roof’s integrity is still noticed, everything can be solved:
Depending on the roof’s condition, emergency, routine, or major repairs may be required.
- Emergency roof repair. Carried out in emergency situations. For example, in case of unexpected and instantaneous roof damage, a heavy, sharp object falls on the roof, which damages the integrity of the roof or even the structure. Then, repairs are carried out urgently to close the damaged area in any way to avoid leakage into the house. Usually, such repairs are temporary when it is impossible to quickly restore the roof with an identical roofing material. It is advisable to carry out routine or major maintenance after emergency repairs, depending on the extent of the damage.
- Routine roof repair. In this case, minor defects and damage are eliminated. Then, the roof is replaced partially, like with patches.
- Major roof repair. In this case, a complete replacement of the roof covering is necessary. As a rule, the roof structure is not affected, but this work can be carried out if required. Then, you can change the shape of the roof, but that will be a reconstruction.
Sooner or later, routine repairs will still lead to major repairs or to the spontaneous destruction of the roof.
Conclusion
Regular, timely, high-quality maintenance of the house’s roof ensures the reliability and durability of the entire house. It is better to entrust the repair to professionals with this particular specialization.