More important than a roof maintenance checklist, a licensed roofing contractor is any home or building owner’s greatest defense. Having a roofing contractor on your side means having access to an expert who knows how to care for your roof, knows what to look for when it comes to the variety of damages that can affect your roof, and has your best interest in mind.

At the Colorado Roofing Association, we specialize in connecting home and building owners with Colorado’s most reputable licensed roofing contractors. Don’t wait – use our contractor search tool today and find the roofing contractor that’s right for you.

We recommend having your roof inspected by your roofing contractor AT LEAST twice a year – once in the spring and once in the fall. Storms in Colorado have different effects on your roof throughout the year. Inspections allow you to stay on top of those potential damages and repair them before they become big headaches down the road.

Roof maintenance must be more than reactive measures if you want your roof to remain healthy and functional. Speak with your licensed roofing contractor and formulate a maintenance plan that’s right for your home or business. Some things to ask your roofer about include: 

• Snow removal and ice dam prevention
• Post-storm inspections
• Gutter and roof cleaning services
• Waterproofing services

Sometimes signs of roof damage will make themselves known to you before you even step outside. Beware of signs of roof damage in your home and attic, and urgently bring them to your licensed roofer’s attention. Watch for water stains, mold, and mildew on your walls or ceilings, and check for airy spaces in your attic – if the elements are getting in, your roof isn’t keeping them out.

Through the Colorado seasons, debris from wind and storms can pile up on your roof. This debris puts extra pressure on your roof and creates an opportunity for water to pool and cause damage.

Take a look at your roof after storms and as the seasons change, and note if any debris has piled up. Make a plan with your licensed roofing contractor to have your roof safely cleared of any debris that may have accumulated.

Build-up of debris in your gutters is a sure way to end up with roof damage. This is especially true during the winter months when snow runoff can pool and freeze in your clogged gutters forming destructive ice dams on your roof. Make a plan with your licensed contractor to keep your gutters clean throughout the year. 

Pro Tip: If you find large amounts of granules from your roof’s shingles while cleaning your gutters, it may be time for a roof replacement.

Your property’s foliage, though beautiful, can be a looming threat to your home or building’s roof. Colorado’s high winds and heavy snowfall can cause overhanging branches to fall on your roof when you least expect it. The best way to avoid this is to trim tree branches back and away from your roof.

As in all cases, discuss with your roofing contractor the best way to go about this, and attempt only what you can safely accomplish. Your safety is worth the extra cost.

One of the most beneficial things you can do on this roof maintenance checklist is to bring any and all concerns to the attention of your licensed roofing contractor. By frequently scanning your roof, you’ll spot imperfections before they can cause more significant damage to your roofing system. Here are some things you can watch for:

• Peeling, smooth, or missing shingles
• Damaged or missing flashing
• Damaged or worn roof accessories
• Visual dips in your roof

Your licensed roofing contractor will make repairs that can prolong the life of your roof. However, repairs made in seasons past won’t last forever. Watch for leaks or visual wearing of old repairs, and be sure to have your roofing contractor inspect them during your regular roof inspections in the spring and fall.