Annual Roof Maintenance Checklist for New Jersey Homeowners

No matter what type of roof you have, maintenance will make it serve you longer. Even the most durable roofs, like metal or tile, need some level of upkeeping. Just picking a quality roof material and hoping for it to last isn’t enough. Unmaintained roofs are more prone to leaks, water damage, mold growth, or even structural deterioration. Their lifespan is shortened, and they are often energy inefficient. 

Maintaining a roof can be tricky. First of all, getting up there can be dangerous if you’re inexperienced. If you don’t feel comfortable and sure of yourself, it’s hard to expect that you’ll manage to complete the given tasks properly. You see, roof damage can be tricky and won’t always be obvious for you to spot. Furthermore, not all problems can be rectified in the same way. 

This is why we always suggest calling a reliable roofing company like Fortified Roofing, to do preventive roof care in New Jersey. Especially now that winter roof preparations in New Jersey are in full swing. Winter preparations are the most important ones because the icy season can be most damaging for the roofs. 

Maintenance Tips

In this blog, we will be introducing you to the comprehensive New Jersey roof maintenance checklist, which is based on many, many years of our experience. You can use it as a whole-year guide to taking care of your roof by yourself or as a tool to measure the quality of your roofer’s maintenance work.

Let’s start with roof maintenance tips right now!

1. Fall: Preparing for Winter 

We all know winters in New Jersey can be harsh. As they are for us, they are for our roofs as well. Low temperatures make roofing materials brittle, and there is a never ending freeze-thaw process happening. This isn’t good because constant expansion and contraction can cause roof materials to crack. Ice dams are harmful, too. They are a safety hazard but also a risk for water accumulation and potential leaks. Snow loads can be very heavy and they have the potential to endanger roof structures. 

These are the steps you should follow: 

• Clean and inspect gutters and downspouts
• Inspect flashing and caulking 
• Check for nesting animals 
• Trim any branches that are close to your roof
• Install or check for snow guards 

As we stated earlier, professionals are here to do the work quickly and efficiently so you can have peace of mind during the winter. If you aren’t sure whether you did a good job, it’s best to call your roofer. Keep in mind that it is crucial to get gutter maintenance for New Jersey homeowners and detecting roof leaks in New Jersey done before the winter! 

2. Winter: Preventative Care

Winter may not always be the best time for roof repairs or roof work in general, but that doesn’t mean that this is the time when you should feel free not to pay attention to your roof.  You should always pay attention to the various changes your roof may be showing. 

• Keep an eye out for ice dams
• Check attic insulation 
• Be aware of icicles
• Look for water accumulation signs 
• Watch out for indoor water stains

3. Spring: Inspection and Clean-Up 

After a few harsh winter months, the time then comes to check for damage.  Assess it, and start working on whatever needs repairs. It is easier to spot potential problems when there is no snow or ice covering your roof. 

If you’re not sure how to treat the damage, look for roof repair services in New Jersey.  Good roofers like Fortified Roofing will pop up.  Also, cleaning certain parts of your roof structure can be demanding and that is what roof cleaning services in New Jersey are for. Whatever you decide, here are the main spring roof maintenance tips for New Jersey homeowners! 

• Check for ice dam damage
• Inspect shingles
• Clean gutters and downspouts 
• Check flashing 

4. Summer: UV Protection and Ventilation Check

If you think that summer will give your roof a break, unfortunately that is not the case.  Thermal shock is when you have a 20 degree variation in outside temperature within a 24 hour period.  This phenomenon is said to be one of the most damaging conditions that an asphalt roof can experience.  New Jersey also has humid summers, which can lead to moss and algae growth. It is best to remove these growths as soon as you notice them. They won’t bring you a green roof, but a wrecked one instead! In other words, summer brings its own set of challenges!

• Watch out for signs of UV damage (curling, warping and blistering)
• Trim overhanging branches
• Check for roof ventilation 
• Remove moss and algae

Choose the Right Roofer

Whatever season is bringing you roof problems, you can always call Fortified Roofing for an annual roofing inspection in New Jersey. We are experts in everything from this list and we are accredited with the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating.  We are also GAF Master Elite certified. These accolades are a mark of excellence that guarantee you a professional approach, a great quality roof, excellent maintenance and the best warranties available. 

So, if you need a roof lifespan extension in New Jersey, keep us in mind! We are a top-notch roofing company in Toms River waiting for your call. 

You can call us anytime for a free, no-obligation estimate. We’ll talk about everything roof-related and help you make an informed decision.