Roof Maintenance Tips for Clarksville, TN Homeowners
You do not need to be a roofer to keep your roof in good shape. A little maintenance goes a
long way. And in Clarksville, with our heat, humidity, and storms, a little maintenance can add
years to your roof's life.
We have been maintaining roofs in Clarksville since 2003. We have seen homeowners extend
the life of their roofs by ve years or more just by following a few simple tips. We have also
seen roofs fail at ten years because the homeowner did nothing.
This article covers roof maintenance tips for Clarksville homeowners. What to do. What not to
do. And when to call a pro. Call (931) 666-1469 for a free inspection.
The Five Maintenance Tasks Every Clarksville Homeowner Should Do
Let us start with the most important. Clean your gutters twice a year. Once in late spring after
the oak trees drop their pollen and seed pods. Once in late fall after the leaves drop. Clogged
gutters cause water to back up under your shingles. That rots your decking and fascia. It takes
ten minutes with a ladder and a leaf blower. Or pay someone $100 to do it.
Second, trim overhanging branches. Any branch that hangs over your roof is a threat. It drops
leaves and twigs that trap moisture. It scrapes granules o shingles. It gives squirrels and
raccoons access to your roof. In a storm, it can break and punch a hole. Keep branches at
least six feet away from your roof.
Third, remove moss promptly. Clarksville's humidity is perfect for moss and algae. Moss holds
moisture against your shingles. That moisture degrades the asphalt. If you see green patches,
spray them with a moss killer (zinc sulfate or a commercial product). Do not use a pressure
washer. That will destroy your shingles.
Fourth, check your attic twice a year. Go up there in summer and winter. In summer, feel for
heat. If it is oven-like, your ventilation is poor. In winter, look for condensation on the underside
of the roof deck. That indicates moisture problems. Also look for water stains or light coming
through the deck. Those are leaks.
Fifth, get a professional inspection every two years. We do them for free. We will catch things
you miss. Curled shingles. Failed vent boots. Lifted flashing. Granule loss. An inspection costs
you nothing and could save you thousands.
Fort Campbell families, if you live on base, the housing office handles roof maintenance. But
you should still report any issues you see. Moss. Leaks. Missing shingles. Do not assume
someone else will notice.
What Not to Do on Your Roof (Step by Step)
Here is what we see homeowners do wrong.
- Do not walk on your roof unnecessarily. Every step grinds granules o shingles. If you
need to get on the roof, wear soft-soled shoes. Step on the nail heads, not the shingle tabs.
Better yet, hire a pro.
- Do not use a pressure washer on your roof. Pressure washers strip granules. They force
water under shingles. They void warranties. If you want to clean your roof, use a soft wash (low
pressure with cleaning solution). We offer this service.
- Do not nail things to your roof. No antennas. No holiday decorations. No satellite dishes.
Every nail is a potential leak. If you must attach something, have a roofer do it with proper
flashing.
- Do not ignore small problems. A cracked vent boot is a $175 repair. Ignore it for two
years, and you have rotted decking and a ceiling stain. That is a $2,000 problem. Fix small
issues immediately.
Why Hire Clarksville Roofing Co for Maintenance?
We offer maintenance plans. Twice a year, we inspect your roof, clean your gutters, remove
moss, and check your attic. The cost is $250 per year. That is cheap insurance against a
$10,000 roof replacement.
We also offer one-time inspections for free. If you just want a professional to look at your roof
and tell you what is wrong, call us. No charge. No obligation.
For Fort Campbell families, we offer exible scheduling around your duty hours. We also
coordinate with the base housing office if you live on post.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my gutters in Clarksville?
Twice a year minimum. If you have overhanging trees, three times a year. If you do not want to clean them yourself, we offer gutter cleaning for $100 to $200 depending on roof size.
Is moss damaging to my roof?
Yes. Moss holds moisture against the shingles. That moisture degrades the asphalt. Moss roots can also lift shingle tabs. Remove moss as soon as you see it.
Can I use a leaf blower to clean my roof?
Yes, carefully. Blow from the ridge down to the eaves. Do not blow upward under shingles. Do not stand too close to the edge. Use a harness on steep roofs.
How do I improve attic ventilation without a roofer?
Check that your so t vents are not blocked by insulation. You can buy ba es at a hardware store to keep insulation away from the so ts. For ridge vents or power fans, call a pro.
What is the best roof maintenance schedule?
Spring: clean gutters, trim branches, inspect for winter damage. Fall: clean gutters, remove leaves, inspect before winter. Every two years: professional inspection.
Does roof maintenance really extend roof life?
Yes. We have seen properly maintained roofs last 20 years in Clarksville. Neglected roofs fail at 12 to 14 years. Maintenance pays for itself.
Ready for a free estimate from a licensed Clarksville roofer?
Call (931) 666-1469