DIY Roof Maintenance Tips for Atlanta Homeowners (and When to Call a Pro)

Atlanta roofs face a variety of threats from heat, humidity, and storms. Professional service is essential when it comes to repairs and many aspects of ongoing maintenance, but there are some steps you can take to protect your roof. Homeowners should know what they can handle and when it's time to call the professionals. 

Roof Maintenance FAQ for Atlanta Homeowners 

How often should I get my roof inspected in Atlanta?

You should schedule a professional roof inspection once a year, usually in spring or fall. Extra inspections are smart after major storms.

Can I clean my roof myself?

It’s not safe to walk on your roof. You can remove small debris with a long-handled broom from the ground, but leave roof cleaning and pressure washing to professionals.

Do clogged gutters damage my roof?

Yes. Clogged gutters make water overflow, which can seep under shingles and cause rot, mold, or leaks. Keeping them clear is one of the best DIY steps you can take.

What roof maintenance can I do myself?

You can safely clean gutters twice a year, trim small overhanging branches, check for missing shingles from the ground, and look in your attic for leaks or sunlight gaps.

What damages roofs most in Atlanta?

Heat, humidity, and strong storms are the biggest threats. They cause algae growth, shingle wear, water leaks, and storm debris damage.

When should I call a roofer?

Call a professional if you see missing shingles, sagging spots, storm damage, algae or moss, roof leaks, or damaged flashing.

The Importance of Roof Maintenance 

The first thing you should know about roof maintenance is why it’s so important. Even seemingly simple steps like cleaning your gutters and keeping debris off your roof go a long way to improve its lifespan. A new roof is a major investment, so you should do everything you can to make the most of it. 

Maintenance is also essential to keep any warranty you might have on a new roof. Keeping track of inspections, repairs, and any other work is likely mandatory to meet the terms of your warranty. This will also help if you ever need to file an insurance claim for storm damage or other unexpected roof repairs. 

Understanding Roof Safety 

When it comes to DIY roof maintenance, the most important thing to consider is your safety. There are many roof maintenance tasks that only professionals should handle. Going up on a roof is potentially dangerous, especially if you don’t have the proper training and experience. 

Homeowners are typically better off sticking to ground-level maintenance. There are still plenty of things you can do without the potential hazard of going up on your roof. Sticking to simple maintenance and routine checks will go a long way and can help you identify when it's time to call for professional repairs. 

Planning Your Seasonal Maintenance 

You should have an annual schedule laying out important maintenance tasks. In most cases, roof maintenance is handled during the spring and fall seasons. However, in areas such as Atlanta that face strong storms, you’ll also need to make additional checks after storms. 

Spring is a good time to make sure your roof is free of any debris and to take a look at your attic for any ventilation or insulation issues. Once fall comes around, make sure gutters and downspouts are clear so that heavy rain doesn’t lead to water damage. Homeowners should schedule at least one professional roof inspection annually. 

Taking Care of Gutters 

Clogged or damaged gutters can quickly cause lasting damage to your roof when water overflows and seeps underneath shingles. A thorough cleaning twice each year can help ensure proper drainage. You should also look for any gaps at seams or sagging sections. 

Gutter guards are a good option to help reduce buildup. These permeable covers let water drain through while leaves and other debris sit on top. Once they dry, they simply blow away. However, you should still keep an eye out for any debris building up. 

Dealing With Roof Debris 

Any debris on your roof, whether small branches or piles of leaves, can let moisture accumulate and penetrate your roof. This leads to issues such as mold and rot. While larger branches may require going up on the roof, in many cases, you can use a broom with a long handle to remove debris. 

Whatever you do, don’t try to use a pressure washer for this purpose. Pressure washers can strip away the protective granules on shingles, which shortens the roof’s lifespan. Professional roof cleaning is done with specialized equipment that uses lower pressures to prevent this. 

Identifying Algae and Moss 

The high humidity in Atlanta can lead to algae and moss growing on roofs. You can identify algae by its distinct dark streaks across shingles. Not only is this unsightly, but it also retains moisture on your roof. 

Moss is also an issue and can even build up underneath shingles and expose the roof decking. Take some time to look at your roof from the ground from time to time and reach out for professional cleaning if you notice any growth accumulating. 

Watch Out for Damaged Flashing 

The flashing around chimneys, skylights, and vents plays a key role in protecting your roof. When it becomes damaged, water can leak in around these fixtures. In many cases, you can spot signs of flashing damage from the ground. Look for rust, cracked seals, and visible gaps. 

In many cases, flashing repairs are straightforward. They may simply require some caulking to seal small gaps. However, more serious damage may require flashing replacement. Reach out about any issues sooner rather than later to avoid unnecessary repairs. 

Checking Shingle Condition 

Shingles are integral to the long-term safety of your roof. From the ground, you can take a look for signs of shingle damage that may require repairs. Look for any missing shingles, those with curling edges, or cracks. 

Bald spots are another indicator of shingle damage. You may notice shingles looking smooth or shiny in patches where granules have come off. This is a sign that your roof is starting to get older, and it could be time for a replacement soon. 

Attic Inspections 

You can take a quick look in your attic to spot potential signs of roof issues. Any sunlight shining through the roof during the day is a clear indicator of gaps. You should also look for any dripping during rain or signs of water damage. 

If you use your attic for any kind of storage, make sure not to block soffit vents. You can also take a look at your insulation, but don’t handle it directly. Moisture can lead to mold growth on insulation, and pests can leave behind droppings, making it a potential health hazard. 

Trimming Overhanging Branches 

Overhanging tree branches pose a serious risk to your roof, especially during heavy storms. Branches that are hanging too close can rub and scrape against shingles. If they break off, they can start a pile of debris on your roof that poses moisture issues. 

If you have larger overhanging branches, you should reach out to a professional for removal. They could cause major damage if they come down during a storm. Removing smaller branches is also a good idea. At the very least, it will help keep your gutters clear of leaves. 

Watch for Storm Damage 

You should walk around your property after every storm to look for signs of damage. Watch for any missing or damaged shingles, bent or broken flashing, or overflowing drainage. 

You should reach out to professionals for storm damage roof repair sooner rather than later. Any minor damage could become much worse when the next storm hits. 

Signs You Need Professional Repairs 

You may not want to go through the trouble of getting professional roof repairs, but you’ll only end up paying more later on if you don’t get the service you need now. Here are some clear signs that you should reach out for professional repairs today: 

• Missing shingles 

• Sagging spots on your roof 

• Storm damage 

• Algae or moss growth 

• Leaks 

• Damaged flashing 

  
  

The best thing you can do to maintain your roof is get the professional service you need before any potential problems get worse. 

Taking Care of Your Roof in Atlanta 

These tips can help you take better care of your roof while also knowing when it’s best left to the professionals. Being careful not to overextend yourself will help keep you safe and ensure you get the most out of your roof. 

When the time comes for repairs, maintenance, or inspections, you can count on Tom and Jerry’s Roofing. Contact our team today for any of your roofing needs in Atlanta.