Maintain Various Types of Roofing Materials

Has the time finally come to replace the roofing material on your home? If so, you will want to be well informed on how to maintain your new roof over the years to help it last as long as possible. The amount of maintenance necessary may even influence your decision about what kind of roof you want, which is why you will want to know the following tips for maintaining these five types of roofing materials.

Asphalt

A big part of having a home with asphalt shingles is simply keeping an eye on them over the years for damage. For example, you will want to take a look in the gutters when you clean them in the spring and look for granules along the bottom of the gutters. This means that they have come off the surface of the shingles, which is likely due to strong winds or a hailstorm. Also, you may need to replace shingles that look particularly bad.

You may also have to clean your roof occasionally if you have a problem with moss and algae growth. However, do this job using the right method.

You cannot use a power washer on an asphalt shingle roof, because it will cause damage by removing granules and leaving unsightly streaks. Instead, brush off moss and spray off debris so that you gently remove it from the surface, then wash off the surface without harsh chemicals.

Cedar Shake

Cedar shake can provide some elegance to your home by using natural wood for roofing material. That said, cedar shake requires more maintenance than other roofing materials.

The big difference with cedar shake is that it does require a wood treatment every few years to keep the wood in great condition. This includes a fungicide that will prevent fungal growth and a sealant so that the wood does not easily decay from moisture damage.

Slate

Slate does not require much maintenance to keep it in good condition, since caring for the material is best done by not walking on top of it. This is the easiest way that slate can sustain damage over time and require you to replace broken pieces. Other than that, the occasional inspection can look for those cracked pieces that could allow moisture into your home. If you find them, replace them as soon as possible.

Clay Tile

Taking care of clay tile is very similar to slate, since a large part of maintenance is performing visual inspections and replacing broken tiles. What makes clay different though is that you can power wash the surface, which runs the risk of breaking slate due to the powerful stream of water.

Power washing clay tiles can be a great way to replace stains from moss or algae, and you won’t have to worry about it causing streaking on the material like power washing asphalt shingles can do.

Rubber Membrane

If your home has a flat roof that you cannot see, you may want a rubber membrane material that will serve its purpose of protecting your home. You need to be concerned about debris collecting near the drains, since leaves can pile up where you cannot see them and cause pooling water.

Also, give the material a visual inspection to ensure that no areas have cracked and crumbled, which will need patching to prevent moisture from getting underneath the rubber.

Feel like you have decided on the roofing material you want for your home? Reach out to Jerry Newman Roofing & Remodeling Inc for help with the installation. We look forward to helping your roof look good and perform well for years to come.