How to Maintain an Asphalt Roof

Need tips on how to maintain your asphalt roof to extend its lifespan and avoid a roof replacement? This asphalt roof maintenance guide has you covered.

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How to Maintain an Asphalt Roof: 7 Essential Tips

Maintaining an asphalt roof is simple, but you must know what’s good for it (and what’s not). With that said, these are the tips you need to take care of your roof so it takes care of your home and everything in it:

  1. Have your roof professionally inspected every year
  2. Clear off debris regularly
  3. Prune trees that are too close for comfort
  4. Clean your gutters as often as possible, and think about adding mesh grates
  5. Make repairs as soon as you need them
  6. Check for damage from the ground
  7. Peek around your attic from time to time

Take a closer look at each below.

Don't Wait Until Damage Gets Worse.

Tip #1 to Maintain Your Asphalt Roof: Have Your Roof Professionally Inspected Every Year

You should have your roof professionally inspected every year, even if you don’t think there are any problems with it. A qualified roofing contractor will know what to look for and can spot potential issues before they become big (and expensive) problems.

Most roofing companies (ours included) offer a free annual roof inspection. During an inspection, an expert will climb up on your roof and look for any signs of damage, such as:


  • Cracked, curling, broken or missing shingles
  • Buckling or blistering shingles
  • Shingle granules in the gutters (an indication that your shingles are deteriorating)
  • Exposed nail heads
  • Missing or damaged flashing
  • Cracks or holes in the chimney


If your inspector finds any of these issues, they’ll be noted on a report and you can have them repaired before they cause any serious damage.

Tip #1 to Maintain Your Asphalt Roof: Have Your Roof Professionally Inspected Every Year

You should have your roof professionally inspected every year, even if you don’t think there are any problems with it. A qualified roofing contractor will know what to look for and can spot potential issues before they become big (and expensive) problems.

Most roofing companies (ours included) offer a free annual roof inspection. During an inspection, an expert will climb up on your roof and look for any signs of damage, such as:


  • Cracked, curling, broken or missing shingles
  • Buckling or blistering shingles
  • Shingle granules in the gutters (an indication that your shingles are deteriorating)
  • Exposed nail heads
  • Missing or damaged flashing
  • Cracks or holes in the chimney


If your inspector finds any of these issues, they’ll be noted on a report and you can have them repaired before they cause any serious damage.

Tip #2 to Maintain Your Asphalt Roof: Clear Off Debris Regularly

Regularly clearing debris from your asphalt roof is a simple yet crucial maintenance task. By removing leaves, twigs, branches, and other debris, you can prevent potential damage and prolong the lifespan of your roof. Stay proactive in preserving the integrity of your roof by keeping it free from any accumulation that could compromise its performance. Your diligence in this routine upkeep will pay off in the long run, ensuring your roof remains in optimal condition for years to come.

Why is it so important to clear off debris?

Because if you let it sit, it can hold moisture against your roof, which can lead to rot, mold and other serious problems. 

Plus, as that debris decomposes, it can create an acidic environment that accelerates the deterioration of your shingles.

To avoid all of that, just clear off the debris whenever you see it. It’ll only take a few minutes and it could save you a lot of money (not to mention headaches) down the road.

Tip #3 to Maintain Your Asphalt Roof: Prune Trees That Are Too Close for Comfort

While trees offer shade and enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home, it's crucial to consider their proximity to your house. Trees situated too close can pose a risk to your roof, with branches potentially causing damage during storms. Additionally, leaves and debris can trap moisture against your roof, leading to issues like rot. If tree pruning seems daunting, enlisting the help of a professional tree service can ensure the job is done safely and effectively.

Tip #3 to Maintain Your Asphalt Roof: Prune Trees That Are Too Close for Comfort

While trees offer shade and enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home, it's crucial to consider their proximity to your house. Trees situated too close can pose a risk to your roof, with branches potentially causing damage during storms. Additionally, leaves and debris can trap moisture against your roof, leading to issues like rot. If tree pruning seems daunting, enlisting the help of a professional tree service can ensure the job is done safely and effectively.

Tip #4 to Maintain Your Asphalt Roof: Clean Your Gutters as Often as Possible (and Think About Adding Mesh Grates)

Maintaining clean and functional gutters is essential for safeguarding your roof from water damage. Regular cleaning, ideally twice a year in spring and fall, is crucial. If your property has many trees, more frequent cleaning may be necessary. In areas prone to wind-blown debris, installing mesh grates can help prevent clogs and ensure your gutters remain clear and effective.

Tip #5 to Maintain Your Asphalt Roof: Make Repairs as Soon as You Need Them

Addressing roof damage promptly is crucial to prevent further deterioration and escalating repair costs. If you observe issues such as cracked, curling, broken, or missing shingles, exposed nail heads, damaged flashing, or any other signs of damage, it's imperative to contact a reputable roofing contractor without delay. Timely repairs can help maintain the integrity of your roof and prevent more extensive issues down the line.

Tip #6 to Maintain Your Asphalt Roof: Check for Damage From the Ground

It's not always necessary to climb onto your roof to inspect for damage. Using binoculars from the ground can sometimes reveal issues. Regularly surveying your roof in this manner can help you identify any damage early on. If you do notice any issues, it's important to contact a qualified roofing contractor promptly to address and repair the damage.

Tip #7 to Maintain Your Asphalt Roof: Peek Around Your Attic From Time to Time

Another way to check for damage is to take a peek around your attic from time to time. If you see any daylight coming through, that means there’s a hole in your roof that needs to be repaired.

You should also look for any water stains, which may indicate a leak. If you see any, be sure to call a qualified roofing contractor right away.

Tip #6 to Maintain Your Asphalt Roof: Check for Damage From the Ground

It's not always necessary to climb onto your roof to inspect for damage. Using binoculars from the ground can sometimes reveal issues. Regularly surveying your roof in this manner can help you identify any damage early on. If you do notice any issues, it's important to contact a qualified roofing contractor promptly to address and repair the damage.

Tip #7 to Maintain Your Asphalt Roof: Peek Around Your Attic From Time to Time

Another way to check for damage is to take a peek around your attic from time to time. If you see any daylight coming through, that means there’s a hole in your roof that needs to be repaired.

You should also look for any water stains, which may indicate a leak. If you see any, be sure to call a qualified roofing contractor right away.

Do You Need to Talk to an Expert About a Roof Replacement?

If it’s too late for your roof and it’s time for a replacement, we may be able to help you. Call our office today to schedule your free roof inspection. We’ll be happy to send someone out to examine your roofing materials and create a customized quote for your roof replacement as soon as possible.

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