Low-sloped roofs, also known as flat roofs, provide a modern aesthetic to homes and enhance their curb appeal. Unlike their steep-sloped counterparts commonly seen in residential properties, they come with unique maintenance requirements.
Knowing the dos and don’ts of low-sloped roofing care and maintenance helps ensure its longevity, durability and weather performance.
Roofing repairs specialist Deschutes Roofing & Insulation discusses them below:
DO: Inspect Your Home Roof Regularly
A quick visual inspection of your low-sloped roof is ideal to ensure it is in good condition. You can do so without getting up a ladder; find a perfect spot outside where you can check the roof surface using a pair of binoculars. Watch out for holes, punctures, tears, cracks, or rust, as well as weak spots at the edges of flashings and evidence of ponding. Once you see any of these, get in touch with your roofer as soon as possible.
DON’T: Let Tree Branches Touch Your Roof
It’s good to have trees around your home, but they can be a nuisance when their overhanging branches touch the roof. Aside from leaves accumulating on your seamless gutters, the branches brush against the roof surface, causing structural damage. Be sure to trim them back about six feet away from your low-sloped roof for good roof maintenance.
DO: Remove Debris from Your Roof and Gutters
Low-sloped roofing systems tend to collect leaves and branches. If not removed immediately, moisture can build up on the debris, causing mold and other structural issues. Also, clogs prevent the gutters from doing their function of directing water runoff away from your property. Consider having your roof cleaned as part of your maintenance checks.
DON’T: Leave Leaks Unaddressed
A small leak can grow worse over time and become an expensive issue. The longer you wait it out, the more your roof’s structural integrity gets compromised. At the first sign of a leak inside your home, call your local roofing contractor right away. They’ll use their expertise to identify the source of the leak and perform the necessary repairs and maintenance.
Deschutes Roofing & Insulation provides top-notch roofing services, from installing seamless gutter systems to maintaining low-sloped and steep-sloped roofs. Call (503) 928-8750 (Beaverton) or (503) 967-9590 (Portland). You may also fill out our contact form to request a free estimate.
