Gardner Roofing

Gardner Roofing • February 9, 2025

Broken shingles are a sign that your roof needs attention. Pay attention to this early sign and you'll save yourself time and money in the long run. 

The roof of a house with a wooden roof and a black gutter.

๐Ÿงฐ Rules of Roof Maintenance
Simple Habits That Add Years to Your Roof

Your roof works 24/7—blocking sun, wind, and rain—so a little care goes a long way. Follow these practical rules to prevent leaks, keep warranties valid, and stretch the life of your roof in San Jacinto, Hemet, Menifee, Murrieta, Temecula, and across the Inland Empire.

At Gardner Roofing Company, we’ve spent 40+ years helping homeowners avoid costly surprises. Here are the rules we recommend for a worry-free roof.

๐Ÿ”Ž 1) Inspect from the ground—then the attic
Walk your property with binoculars twice a year. Look for lifted shingles, missing tiles, cracked flashing, or debris piles. Check the attic for daylight through the deck, water stains, or musty odors after heavy rain.

๐Ÿงน 2) Keep it clean (no pressure washing)
Clear leaves, branches, and dirt from the roof and valleys. Clean gutters and downspouts so water flows freely. Never pressure wash shingles or tiles—it can strip protective granules and void warranties.

๐ŸŒฟ 3) Control moss, algae, and overhanging trees
Trim branches 6–10 feet back to reduce shade and falling debris. Use roof-safe, manufacturer-approved treatments for moss or algae—avoid harsh chemicals or metal scrapers.

๐Ÿ”ฉ 4) Check flashing and penetrations
Chimneys, skylights, vents, and satellite mounts are leak hot spots. Look for cracked sealant, rust, or gaps. Re-seal with compatible materials or have a pro replace damaged flashing.

๐ŸŒฌ๏ธ 5) Mind ventilation & insulation
Proper attic airflow prevents heat buildup and condensation that can shorten roof life. Confirm intake (soffits) and exhaust (ridge/roof vents) are unobstructed; keep insulation even and off the vents.

๐ŸŒง๏ธ 6) After storms, do a quick re-check
High winds and heavy rain can lift edges, blow off caps, or clog gutters. Do a post-storm walk-around from the ground and schedule repairs promptly—small issues become big leaks fast.

๐Ÿ› ๏ธ 7) Use only roof-safe accessories
Install snow/leaf guards, solar mounts, or holiday lights with manufacturer-approved methods (no nails or screws through the surface unless designed for it). Avoid walking on brittle tiles or hot shingles.

๐Ÿ“… 8) Stay on a schedule (not just when it leaks)
Plan seasonal maintenance and document it—photos + notes help with warranty claims and resale.

โœ… Quick Maintenance Checklist

โ–ก Spring & Fall visual inspection (ground + attic)
โ–ก Clean gutters/downspouts; flush with hose
โ–ก Remove debris from valleys and behind chimneys
โ–ก Trim back trees and clear overhangs
โ–ก Check flashing, boots, and sealants
โ–ก Verify attic ventilation and insulation
โ–ก Schedule professional tune-up if anything looks off

๐Ÿšซ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Pressure washing shingles/tiles
  • Sealing with the wrong caulk or tar
  • Walking on fragile tile or hot asphalt
  • Letting debris pile up in valleys and gutters
  • Ignoring small stains on ceilings or in the attic

Inland Empire Maintenance Calendar

  • March–April: Clean gutters, trim branches, check winter wear.
  • June–July: Verify ventilation before peak heat; light debris sweep.
  • September–October: Full inspection, clean gutters, prep for rains.
  • After major wind/rain: Quick ground check and attic check within 24–48 hours.

When to Call a Pro

  • Active leaks or interior stains
  • Recurrent moss growth or soft decking
  • Missing shingles/tiles or loose ridge caps
  • Cracked/corroded flashing or skylight leaks

Need a Pro Roof Tune-Up?

From leak checks and flashing repairs to full cleanups and shingle/tile replacements, we’ll keep your roof performing at its best—safely and to manufacturer standards.

๐Ÿ“ž Call Gardner Roofing Company for a maintenance visit or free inspection. With 40+ years serving San Jacinto and the Inland Empire, we’re your trusted local roofing experts.

Gardner Roofing Company
Serving San Jacinto & the Inland Empire Since 1980
โœ” Licensed & Insured | โœ” Mobile Home Experts | โœ” Free Estimates
๐Ÿ“ 618 W 7th St, San Jacinto, CA 92583, United States
๐Ÿ“ž +1 951-654-2794
๐ŸŒ
https://www.gardnerroofingcompany.com



A roof with red tiles and a window on it
By Gardner Roofing September 1, 2025
Use this 7-step checklist to hire the right roofing experts in the Inland Empire—licenses, warranties, materials, reviews, and red flags.
A white house with a black roof and a chain link fence
By Gardner Roofing August 29, 2025
Replace an aging roof to cut energy costs, boost resale value, stop leaks, and improve weather protection. Serving San Jacinto & the Inland Empire.