“For many homeowners, roof maintenance tends to get pushed aside until there’s a leak or major issue that calls for a roof replacement,” said Jon Abernathy, Director of Contractor Engagement at Tamko , one of the nation’s leading manufacturers of roofing materials. “But staying ahead of problems with a regular, year-round routine can help prevent costly repairs or damage.”
To help you get a head start on roof maintenance this season, we checked in with roofing experts from across the country to find out their best roofing maintenance tips. We’ll talk about everything from gutter and shingle cleaning to attic ventilation, roof inspections and more. We’ll also break down which roof maintenance chores are best suited to which seasons and talk about the roof maintenance services best left to the professionals.
How to tackle roof maintenance, according to pros
“A little year-round upkeep can go a long way in keeping your roof solid and stress-free for years to come,” said Jim Marino, CEO of Pinnacle Home Improvements . Marino and seven other roofing experts offered their insights to help you tackle roof maintenance like a pro this year.
Check for obvious signs of roof damage
Before rolling up your sleeves for any roof maintenance projects, assess the current condition of your roof. Start with a DIY roof inspection to identify visible signs of wear or damage. To do this, perform a visual inspection of your roof’s exterior, as well as any interior spaces where leaks can appear, like attics and ceilings.
“Walk around the trim line of the house and look for any signs of stains, water or wood damage,” said John Halliday, the owner of HBC Roofing in Mesa, Ariz. Look for cracked or decaying shingles, areas of pooling water or stains on soffits, the underside of roof eaves .
Inside, check for water stains or soft areas on your ceiling, which can indicate water penetration. Robert O’Sullivan, the owner of Ranch Roofing in Arlington, Mass., also recommends climbing into your attic or crawl space to check for water spots or light from the outdoors. “Take pictures of everything during every inspection,” he said. “This builds a maintenance record that allows experts to identify emerging trends and can even aid in insurance claims down the road.”
As you tackle your roof maintenance checklist, remember that there are limits to what you’ll be able to do on your own. “You can do a personal inspection; but once a year, I also recommend an inspection from an expert,” said Dan Staupe, the co-owner of Compass Exteriors in Minneapolis. If you find any obvious signs of roof damage, schedule a professional roof inspection with a licensed roofing contractor right away.
Check your roof after rough weather
Large hail, strong winds and fallen trees all pose serious threats to your roof, but addressing any issues right away can help mitigate damage.
“After any big storm, walk around your property and look for lifted shingles or anything out of place,” said Abernathy. “Even small signs like granule loss or cracked sealant can lead to bigger problems, as most major roofing issues start small.”
Halliday agreed, encouraging homeowners to reach out to a trusted roofing contractor to schedule repairs instead of waiting for problems to get worse.
Clean your gutters
Keeping your gutters clean is one of the simplest things you can do to extend your roof’s lifespan.
“Clogged gutters let water flow up under shingles and [can] create costly damage quickly,” said O’Sullivan. Plan to clean out your gutters a few times a year, preferably in spring and fall. That said, if you have a lot of leaf-shedding trees in your yard, you should aim to clean your gutters about once every three months, said O’Sullivan.
To help with gutter maintenance, some homeowners may want to consider installing gutter guards. “Gutter guards are designed to keep leaves, pine needles and roof grit out, helping protect not just the gutters, but the roof itself,” said Cullen Rodgers, Product Innovation Manager at Gutterglove .
Keep your roof clean
Another major culprit for roof damage is the buildup of lichen, moss and algae. “Moss or lichen growth might seem harmless at first, but that stuff holds moisture like a sponge,” said Danny Niemela, the co-owner, VP and CFO of ArDan Construction in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Niemela explained that the buildup of moisture on your roof can break down composite shingles and wood decking, and O’Sullivan added that some bacterial growth can actually eat away at your shingles.
But don’t pull out your pressure washer just yet. Cleaning your roof is a delicate process, and doing it the wrong way can cause more damage.
“Never pressure wash your roof,” said O’Sullivan, adding that it can harm your roofing materials and push water underneath. “Instead, use mild cleaning solutions with a soft-bristled brush,” he explained, along with a regular garden hose to wash away algae. That said, serious roof cleaning jobs are best left to the pros.
Trim back tree limbs that could endanger your roof
Tree limbs, leaves and other natural debris can jeopardize the lifespan of your roof — and they can even endanger your safety.
“The very best thing you can do for your roof is keep debris off of it,” said Jonathan Palley, CEO of Clever Tiny Homes . This means trimming trees that are touching your roof or could drop branches onto it, and removing debris to prevent buildup. O’Sullivan recommends going one step further by trimming any tree branches within about six feet of your roof, “not mere touching distance.” According to O’Sullivan, “branches [can] rub off protective granules even in light winds.”
Prevent moisture buildup by checking attic ventilation
It’s easy to overlook, but the attic is an important part of a healthy roof, and the lack of proper attic ventilation can lead to moisture issues and rot.
“If you find that [your attic] smells musty or feels damp, chances are that your roof is not breathing the way it ideally should,” said Marino. “Lack of ventilation will cause moisture buildup, and that could compromise the strength of your roof from the inside out.”
O’Sullivan agreed, adding that poor ventilation can reduce a roof's lifespan by a third. If you suspect your attic isn’t properly ventilated, consult with a trusted roofing contractor or HVAC installer.
Get a roof inspection
When we asked about the single most important thing homeowners can do to extend the lifespan of a roof, Brent Smith of International Construction Services told us this: “Simply, have it inspected.”
Abernathy agreed, adding that “regular seasonal checkups are one of the easiest ways to keep your home protected and avoid surprises.”
There’s a lot about your roof you won’t be able to assess or repair on your own, so consulting with the pros is an essential part of yearly roof maintenance. A professional roofer can inspect things like underlayment and roof decking, roof vents, skylights, AC units, chimney flashing and expansion joints, which can all become entry points for water over time.
But roof inspections don’t have to break the bank. Smith noted that many roofing companies offer free roof inspections and encouraged homeowners to connect with a contractor that does. For more on this, check out our guide to roof inspection costs .
Keep up with repairs
Finally, don’t put off roof repairs (even minor ones) to extend the life of your roof.
Addressing small issues when they first arise is the best way to prevent bigger issues from forming. While it can be tempting to put off hiring a roofer when money is tight, keeping up with repairs as they come up will help keep your roof safe and secure and save you money down the line.
Seasonal roof maintenance tips
Some times of year are better than others for roof maintenance and repairs. Here, we’ll break down the best roof maintenance tips for all seasons.
Inspect your roof in the spring and remove debris leftover from winter
Best roof maintenance chores for spring:
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Check for signs of damage
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Clean out your gutters
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Schedule a roof cleaning (or safely DIY)
Spring is a great time to assess the state of your roof after the winter season. “When spring rolls around, homeowners should look for signs of wear from harsh weather, like cracked or missing shingles,” said Abernathy.
Marino said spring is an ideal time to flush out your gutters, since they’ll most likely fill up during winter. Spring is also great for roof cleaning for the same reason: to wash away the grime and buildup from the rainy season.
Prioritize roof repairs during summer when the weather is dry
Best roof maintenance chores for summer:
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Schedule roof repairs
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Get an annual roof inspection
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Trim back precarious trees
Summer (or whatever the driest time of year is where you live) is the ideal season for roof repairs.
“The summer is a great time to secure loose shingles, check flashing and trim back any overhanging branches,” said Abernathy. This is also a popular time to hire roofing contractors in most areas, so plan ahead if you want to hire a pro.
The dry season is also a good time to schedule your annual roof inspection, said Marino, since the weather is more predictable and conditions are safest for roofers.
Prep your roof in the fall by cleaning gutters and trimming trees
Best roof maintenance chores for fall:
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Clean gutters and remove debris
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Trim back tree limbs
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Check attic insulation and ventilation
Not sure how often you should clean your gutters ? Fall is the perfect time to take care of it, especially with winter on the way. “In the fall, clearing out gutters and roof valleys keeps water from backing up and causing damage,” said Abernathy.
Marino recommends fall as a good time to trim back tree limbs and remove leaves and other debris from your roof. It’s also an ideal time to make sure your attic is properly insulated and ventilated. This helps reduce moisture buildup and prevent ice dams, according to Abernathy, which we’ll discuss more below.
Tackle indoor roof maintenance tasks during winter
Best roof maintenance chores for winter:
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Check attic insulation and ventilation
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Monitor for ice dams, storm damage and windfalls
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Prevent excess snow and ice buildup if possible
Winter time is less about roof maintenance and more about managing emergencies and mitigating risks as they arise.
Depending on where you live, roof damage may be more common in winter due to rough storms, and responding to unexpected damage right away is an important way to safeguard the life of your roof. Many roofing companies, especially in storm-prone areas, offer emergency services, some of which operate 24/7.
Ice dams are ridges of ice that form along the edge of a roof and prevent water and melting snow from draining properly, according to the University of Minnesota Extension . If ice dams form, do your best to safely and gently remove snow and ice from the roof using a roof rake, but be careful about damaging roofing materials. The best way to prevent roof damage from ice dams is to properly insulate and ventilate your attic and roof.
Roof maintenance tips by roof type
Different roof types require different types of maintenance. Here, we'll look at four basic roof types and how to maintain them.
Shingle roof maintenance
“It’s really important to stay on top of your shingles,” said Staupe. “Are any of them lifted, cracked, broken or otherwise damaged? Maybe even missing?” If so, it’s time to repair or replace them, he said. “This type of damage can lead to bigger structural damage long-term.”
Marino also recommends keeping an eye on shingle damage, especially in summer. When temperatures rise, “keep an eye out for shingles that appear somewhat curled, dried out or just a little blistered,” he said. Dry shingles can crack and fail much more easily once the rains return, and they should be replaced to prevent water penetration.
Tile roof maintenance
Similar to shingle roofs, tile roofs should be repaired when tiles are missing or broken.
“Always check around the home to make sure no tiles are broken or out of place,” said Halliday. He also recommends checking the valleys and drainage channels of your tile roof once a year to make sure water isn’t pooling and entering your roof.
Tile roofs may be especially susceptible to damage during wind storms, as debris can get caught underneath the tile, according to Halliday, creating access points for water and pests.
Metal roof maintenance
In some ways, metal roofs require much less maintenance than other roof types. But metal expands and contracts as temperatures fluctuate, which can cause joints and fasteners to loosen over time.
Visually inspect your metal roof for loose points, and connect with a qualified roofing contractor if you suspect you’re in need of repairs. Metal roofs can also be dented by large hail and debris, which can sometimes create cracks or holes. These should be addressed by a professional as quickly as possible.
Flat roof maintenance
Flat roofs are more difficult to maintain, as they’re prone to pooling water and leaks.
“Check your roof for pooling areas,” said Halliday, which may show up as stains even if there’s no standing water. “All flat roofs hold water or pools, but the key is to ensure those areas are sealed properly.”
Halliday also recommends checking your parapet walls and scuppers if you have a flat roof, as these can both serve as entry points for water. If you’re having issues with water penetration from a flat roof, connect with a roofing contractor qualified to inspect and repair flat roofing systems.
Be careful with DIY roof repair
While some roof maintenance tasks are OK to tackle yourself, most are best left to the roofing pros.
“If your roof is walkable, then blowing off leaves and other debris is great for a DIY,” said Smith. “Other than that, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.”
Roofing work can be extremely dangerous, and attempting to repair your own roof can void your roof's warranty. Some roofing work also requires special permitting, and properly assessing and addressing roofing issues requires expertise and experience most homeowners don’t have.
For a healthy roof, be proactive with maintenance
The trick to effective roof maintenance is being proactive throughout the year and knowing which jobs to leave to the pros. Basic things like visual inspections and gutter cleaning are great DIY roofing projects, but roof repairs and more detailed inspections should be left to a licensed roofing contractor.
Roof maintenance is also easier to tackle when you break down your to-do list by the seasons. Spring is a great time for cleaning and assessing damage from winter, while summer is better for scheduling repairs and inspections. In the fall, remove trees, leaves and debris, and be prepared to manage emergencies throughout the winter if storms wreak havoc on your roof.
Roof maintenance FAQs
How often should I do roof maintenance?
This depends on several factors, like the type and age of your roof and the climate where you live. If you live in a storm-prone area or have a lot of leafy trees in your yard, you may want to perform some basic roof maintenance once every few months. If you live in a lower-risk area, a couple of times per year might be enough. At the very least, homeowners should aim to clean out their gutters at least once a year.
How often should I get my roof inspected?
Homeowners are generally encouraged to get a professional roof inspection once a year. If this is difficult to keep up with, be sure to schedule an inspection after large storms or any time you suspect your roof may have been damaged.
How often should I have my roof replaced?
This depends on your roofing material and the climate where you live. Some roofs, like tile roofs, can last upwards of 50 years, while asphalt shingle roofs typically need to be replaced every 25 years or so. For more on roof lifespan, check out our guide to understanding how long a roof should last .
How much does roof maintenance cost?
Roof maintenance covers a wide range of services, all of which vary in price. To find out how much you can expect to pay for roof maintenance from a professional roofer, reach out to a few top-rated roofers in your area, like the ones recommended below, to request estimates. Most roofing companies offer free estimates, making it easy to compare quotes. For more on this, check out our guide to sourcing accurate estimates from roofing contractors .
Check out these Yahoo Local-approved U.S. roofers
Best California roofers
Fresno / Los Angeles / San Jose / San Diego
Best Florida roofers
Cape Coral / Fort Myers / Jacksonville / Miami / Orlando / Sarasota / Tampa
Best Texas roofers
Austin / Dallas / Fort Worth / Houston / San Antonio
