Do you have maintenance work that’s needed on your roof and gutters?
They might need attention, even if you don’t know it yet. Our specific market is especially tough on our exterior home features. With high humidity, salt air, heavy rain, hurricanes, and occasional ice storms, we’re quite often facing serious risks when it comes to the roofing system and water drainage infrastructure at our properties.
Whether you're a homeowner or a landlord managing a rental property, staying ahead of roof and gutter repairs can prevent water damage, mold, structural issues, and thousands of dollars in long-term repair costs. This guide walks you through inspections, repairs, seasonal care, and when to call in professionals.
Quick Overview:
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Understanding the Coastal Climate's Impact
Our area’s weather patterns make roof and gutter maintenance more than just routine upkeep. Preventative maintenance is vital for long-term property health. Coastal exposure speeds up the deterioration of shingles, flashing, and gutters. Storm surges, tropical systems, and heavy rainfall can lead to water infiltration and gutter overflow.
Salt in the air can also corrode metal roofing components faster than in inland areas. These environmental factors make regular inspections and timely repairs an essential part of being a responsible property owner in the area.
Invest in Regular Roof Inspections
To stay ahead of problems, we recommend you schedule two roof inspections per year, once in the spring and once in the fall. These strategic times align with the weather: spring inspections prepare you for hurricane season, and fall inspections help catch issues after summer storms and before winter freeze. During these inspections, look for:
Missing or damaged shingles. These are the first signs of weather wear. Look for curling, cracking, or bare spots where shingles are gone.
Granules in gutters. Asphalt shingles shed granules as they age. If your gutters are full of them, your shingles may be deteriorating.
Flashing issues. Flashing seals the areas around chimneys, vents, and skylights. Loose or rusted flashing is a common cause of roof leaks.
Moss or algae. These growths thrive in humid coastal environments and can degrade roofing materials.
Attic moisture. If you notice mold, mildew, or water stains in the attic, your roof might be leaking.
Don't forget to inspect after any major storm. Wind and rain can dislodge shingles or create new vulnerabilities overnight.
Gutter Maintenance Basics
Gutters play a crucial role in protecting your roof, siding, and foundation by directing water away from the structure. However, they can only do their job if they’re clean and in good condition.
How Often Should You Clean Gutters?
Plan to clean your gutters at least twice a year, ideally in the spring and fall. However, if your property is surrounded by trees or has recently experienced a storm, you may need to clean them more frequently.
Signs Your Gutters Need Attention:
Water spills over the sides instead of flowing through downspouts.
Gutters are sagging or pulling away from the house.
You see plants, moss, or grass growing in the gutters.
There are signs of rust, holes, or cracks.
Water pools near the home’s foundation after rain.
Clogged or damaged gutters can lead to roof leaks, mold in walls, and even foundation problems.
Roof and Gutter Repair: What You Need to Know
One of the most common roof repairs is shingle replacement. When you have completed an inspection or noticed that only a few shingles are missing or damaged, replacing those shingles can extend the life of your roof. Another common roof repair is flashing repair. Leaks often start around chimneys or vents where flashing has deteriorated.
Structural damage is a bit more concerning. If water has soaked into the decking or rafters, a more serious repair, or even a roof replacement, may be required.
When it comes to gutter repairs, the easiest fix is when there are sagging gutters. This is often caused by broken hangers or excess weight from debris. If gutters aren’t angled correctly, water won’t drain toward the downspouts, creating an improper pitch. Leaky joints can also be an issue when seams between gutter sections degrade, requiring resealing or replacement. Another common issue is with the downspout. A clogged or broken downspout can render the entire system ineffective.
Prompt repairs prevent these small problems from becoming major damage, especially during hurricane season.
Seasonal and Storm Preparation
Most homeowners in our area are especially sensitive to roof issues during or just before storm season. We don’t get a lot of hurricanes or tropical storms. But, we do get consistent summer rain. That makes seasonal maintenance and preparation so important.
Spring and Summer
Inspect the roof for winter damage.
Clean gutters and downspouts thoroughly.
Trim back overhanging branches that could damage the roof in windstorms.
Check attic ventilation to reduce heat buildup and humidity.
Fall
Clean gutters again after leaves fall.
Make sure water flows freely through downspouts.
Inspect flashing and seal any gaps.
Reinforce any loose shingles or hardware.
Winter
Prevent ice dams by keeping gutters clean and ensuring good attic insulation.
Check for icicles that indicate poor drainage.
Address any signs of condensation in the attic.
Before storms arrive
Secure or replace loose shingles and flashing.
Clear all debris from the roof and gutters.
Check roof bracing if your home is older.
Take photos of the roof for insurance purposes.
Stock up on tarps in case you need emergency covering after damage.
Being proactive in seasonal maintenance can extend the life of your roof and gutters and save you from costly emergency repairs.
When to DIY and When to Hire Professionals
It may seem easy enough to clean gutters on a one-story home with a safe ladder. You can probably trim small branches and remove leaves from the roof on your own. When it’s time to replace shingles, you might feel pretty confident doing that, and you can probably seal small gutter leaks with some good waterproof caulk.
But never hesitate to call a professional roofer, especially if this is a home you’re renting out. You don’t need any extra liability.
Call in the pros for roof inspections, multi=story maintenance where ladder work is unsafe, and flashing repairs or major shingle replacements. You’ll need a licensed roofer for a full roof or gutter replacement.
Professionals also bring peace of mind with warranties, proper safety equipment, and the ability to spot subtle issues you might miss.
Special Tips for Rental Property Owners
If you own a rental home in Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, or the surrounding areas, roof and gutter maintenance becomes even more important. And slightly more complicated. You’re dealing with a tenant, and they’ll expect you to make immediate repairs. Our recommended best practices, as professional property managers, include:
Include maintenance clauses in lease agreements. Let tenants know who’s responsible for reporting and minor upkeep.
Schedule inspections between tenants or at least once annually during low season.
Document condition of roof and gutters before and after each lease to support any damage claims.
Keep a log of maintenance work completed.
Consider upgrades like gutter guards or impact-resistant roofing to reduce repair needs and storm vulnerability.
Proactive care protects your investment and ensures tenants are safe and satisfied.
Preventative Upgrades Worth Considering
If your roof or gutters are aging, it might be time to consider upgrades that offer better durability and less maintenance. Architectural shingles are gaining popularity, and we like them because they offer longer lifespans and better storm resistance than traditional three-tab shingles. A lot of owners are turning to metal roofs, which are expensive upfront, but last longer and resist corrosion and fire.
While the initial cost can be higher, these investments often pay off in long-term savings and peace of mind.
Roofs and gutters can easily feel like parts of your home that are out of sight and out of mind. But as soon as something goes wrong, you’re stuck dealing with them. It helps to be more proactive and preventative, especially in our coastal environment. These systems are your home’s first line of defense against water intrusion and storm damage.
Be consistent with seasonal inspections, routine cleanings, and timely repairs. Homeowners and landlords who do this can avoid costly emergencies and extend the life of their roofs and gutters. Make it part of your annual maintenance plan, and your property will thank you with better performance, fewer headaches, and higher value.
We can help you put together a smart plan for roof and gutter maintenance. Please contact us at Doud Realty Services, Inc. We provide expert property management in Norfolk, Portsmouth, Hampton Roads, as well as surrounding areas such as Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Chesapeake, and Newport News.