Residential Roof Maintenance - Professional Versus DIY

Maintaining your home’s roof is crucial to protecting your investment and ensuring the safety of your family. A well-maintained roof can prevent costly repairs, extend your roof's lifespan, and improve the overall value of your home. However, when it comes to roof maintenance, homeowners often face the dilemma of whether to tackle the task themselves or hire a professional. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore the typical maintenance tasks for residential roofs, when maintenance should be performed, and what can be handled as a DIY project versus what should be left to the experts. We’ll also delve into some specialized maintenance needs based on different roof types. Keep reading to master your roof’s maintenance needs!

Typical Residential Roof Maintenance Tasks

For most residential roofs, certain maintenance tasks are universal. These tasks help ensure that your roof remains in good condition and include:

1. Cleaning Debris: Leaves, branches, and other debris can accumulate on your roof, especially after storms. This debris can trap moisture, leading to mold growth, rot, and other damage. Regular cleaning is essential to keep the roof surface clear.
2. Inspecting and Cleaning Gutters: Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and damage the roof, fascia, and siding. Regular inspection and cleaning of gutters are crucial to ensure proper water flow away from the roof and foundation.
3. Checking for Damaged Shingles or Tiles: Missing, cracked, or curled shingles or tiles can lead to leaks and other problems. Regular inspections can help you identify damaged areas that need immediate attention.
4. Inspecting Flashing and Seals: Flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights should be inspected for cracks, rust, or other damage. Seals around these areas can degrade over time, leading to leaks.
5. Moss and Algae Removal: Moss, algae, and lichen can grow on roofs, particularly in shaded or humid areas. These organisms can retain moisture and damage the roof material over time.
6. Checking Attic Ventilation: Proper attic ventilation is critical to the health of your roof. Poor ventilation can lead to heat and moisture buildup, causing damage to the roof structure and shingles.

When Should Roof Maintenance Be Performed?

Roof maintenance should be performed at least twice a year: once in the spring and once in the fall. This timing helps address any damage from winter weather and prepare for the upcoming seasons. Additionally, inspections should be conducted after major storms, especially if your area experiences hail, high winds, or heavy rainfall. Keeping a regular maintenance schedule can help catch minor issues before they become major problems.

DIY Roof Maintenance vs. Professional Maintenance

Not all maintenance tasks can be DIY projects. Here’s a breakdown of what you can do yourself and what kinds of maintenance should be left to the professionals.

DIY Roof Maintenance Tasks

1. Cleaning Debris from the Roof and Gutters: When debris is in reach and with proper safety equipment, you can clear leaves and branches from your roof and clean out your gutters. A sturdy ladder, gloves, and a garden hose are typically sufficient for this task. However, always prioritize safety by having someone present to hold your ladder and avoid climbing on your roof. If the debris is hard to reach or requires you to climb on your roof, you should always call a professional to avoid injury.
2. Moss and Algae Treatment: You can apply moss and algae treatments available at hardware stores. These treatments usually involve spraying a solution on the affected areas and letting it sit before rinsing it off. Be sure to follow the product instructions and use appropriate safety gear.
3. Visual Inspections: You can conduct visual inspections from the ground or use binoculars to look for obvious signs of damage, such as missing shingles, sagging areas, or visible wear and tear. Regularly checking your attic for signs of leaks, like water stains or damp insulation, is also a task you can handle yourself.

Professional Roof Maintenance Tasks

1. Comprehensive Roof Inspections: Professional roofers can perform detailed inspections that go beyond a basic visual check. They have the expertise to identify subtle signs of damage, such as hidden leaks, structural issues, and potential problem areas that an untrained eye might miss. A professional inspection should be conducted at least once a year or if you suspect damage that requires professional repair.
2. Repairing or Replacing Flashing and Seals: Working with flashing and seals requires specialized skills and materials. Incorrect installation or repair can lead to leaks and further damage, so it’s best to leave this task to professionals.
3. Gutter Repair and Replacement: While cleaning gutters is manageable, repairing or replacing sections of gutters requires expertise to ensure proper alignment and drainage.
4. Roof Cleaning and Treatment: High-pressure washing or chemical treatments for stubborn moss, algae, or lichen growth should be handled by professionals to prevent damage to shingles or tiles.
5. Shingle or Tile Replacement: Large-scale shingle replacement or repairs to tile roofs should be performed by professionals. Working on roofs can be dangerous, and professionals have the equipment and training to do the job safely.
6. Roof Coating Application: Some roofs, particularly flat or metal roofs, benefit from a protective coating that extends their lifespan. Applying these coatings requires specialized tools and expertise to ensure even and effective coverage.

Specialized Maintenance for Different Types of Roofs

Different types of roofs can require more specialized maintenance and may require professional service for certain tasks. Here are some professional, specialized maintenance you may need for your specific roof.

Asphalt Shingle Roofing (And Other Traditional Shingle Roofing Systems)

Asphalt shingles are the most common type of residential roofing material due to their affordability and ease of installation. However, they are prone to granule loss, cracking, and curling. Regular inspections and prompt replacement of damaged shingles are key to maintaining these roofs and getting as many years as possible from them. 

For traditional shingles, large-scale repairs after severe storms or for older roofs should be performed by professionals.

Metal Roofing

Residential metal roofs are durable and require less maintenance than other types. However, they can be prone to rust if not properly coated. Regularly inspecting the roof for signs of rust, particularly around fasteners and seams, is essential. Metal roofs also benefit from occasional washing to remove dirt and debris.

Any sort of coating or painting on a metal roof should be taken care of by professionals. You should also leave repairs like fixing screws and fasteners to your roofing company, as these tasks require specialized tools and safety gear.

Tile Roofing

Tile roofs are highly durable but can be susceptible to cracking, especially in areas prone to freeze-thaw cycles. Regularly inspecting tiles for cracks and ensuring proper sealing around roof penetrations, like chimneys and vents, are critical maintenance tasks. 

Due to the weight and fragility of tiles, as well as their specialized installation and repair process, any repairs should be handled by professionals.

Wood Shake Roofing

Wood shake roofing is less common these days, and it requires regular maintenance to prevent rot and insect infestation. Debris should be cleared frequently, and treatments for moss, mildew, and insects should be applied as needed. These roofs also benefit from periodic inspections to replace damaged shakes.

Because wood shake is such a unique roofing system, professional inspections, maintenance, and repairs are essential and should be handled by a professional.

Slate Roofing

Slate roofs are known for their longevity and aesthetic appeal, but they are less common today and are among the most delicate roofing materials. Regular inspections are crucial to check for broken or missing slates, which can cause leaks and other damage. 

Slate is fragile, and stepping on the tiles can easily crack them, so any repairs should always be handled by a professional with experience in slate roofing. Additionally, keep gutters clean to prevent ice dams, which can damage the slate.

Composite Roofing

Composite roofing, like DaVinci Slate and Shake, is made from a blend of materials like plastic, fiberglass, and recycled products that offer durability and versatility. They mimic the look of natural materials without the downside of extensive maintenance needs. Maintenance for composite roofs includes regular inspections to check for damage or wear, especially around roof penetrations like vents and chimneys. Although composite shingles are generally low maintenance, occasional cleaning to remove moss or algae and ensure the integrity of seals and flashing can help prolong their lifespan. 

DIY repairs are possible for minor damage, but significant repairs should be left to professionals to ensure the integrity of the roof. Many composite systems have unique installation and repair needs, meaning they should be serviced by a company certified to work with them.

Conclusion: When in Doubt, Ditch DIY For Professional Help

Maintaining your residential roof is a combination of regular inspections, cleaning, and addressing minor issues before they escalate. While many tasks can be performed by yourself, others require the expertise and safety considerations that only professionals can provide. By understanding the typical maintenance needs of your roof and recognizing when to call in the pros, you can keep your roof in top condition and extend its lifespan.

If your roof needs some TLC from a professional team in Oklahoma, give our experts a call at Statewide Roofing. We service, repair, inspect, and install roofing systems for residential homes and commercial buildings all over the state of Oklahoma. Take a look at our portfolio for examples of work we’re proud of, and contact us today to get started.