Roof Maintenance

A roof in Southern Utah ages faster than the same roof would in Portland or Denver. The combination of extreme UV exposure, thermal cycling, monsoon storms, and wind means that maintenance isn't optional here — it's what separates a roof that lasts its full rated lifespan from one that needs early replacement. Washington County Roof and Gutter Repair provides thorough annual maintenance that catches small problems before they become expensive repairs.

Our Maintenance Process

1. Debris removal — We clear all debris from valleys, around penetrations, and from the roof surface. Debris traps moisture, accelerates deterioration, and provides entry points for pests. In St. George, dust and wind-blown material accumulate constantly.
2. Tile and shingle assessment — Every tile is visually checked for cracking, shifting, and mortar separation. Shingles are examined for granule loss, curling, and lifting. We pay special attention to south-facing slopes, which take the worst UV punishment.
3. Flashing and sealant inspection — We check every flashing point — chimneys, walls, vents, skylights — for separation, corrosion, and sealant failure. UV-degraded sealant is the number one cause of slow leaks in our climate.
4. Pipe boot check — Rubber pipe boots dry out and crack in desert heat, sometimes in as few as 7–8 years. We check every boot and recommend replacement before failure causes a leak.
5. Gutter and drainage review — We verify gutters are clear, properly sloped, and securely attached. Downspouts are checked for clogs and proper routing away from the foundation.
6. Photo documentation — You receive a complete photo report showing the current condition of every area we inspected, with notes on what's fine, what to watch, and what needs attention.

Why Maintenance Is Critical in Southern Utah

St. George's climate puts unique stress on every roofing component. Summer temperatures above 106°F combined with UV index levels of 9–11 break down organic compounds in shingles, sealants, and rubber components at an accelerated rate. Daily temperature swings of 30–40°F cause expansion and contraction that loosens fasteners and cracks rigid sealant. Then monsoon season from July through September tests every vulnerable point with driving rain and wind gusts up to 60 mph.

Without annual maintenance, small issues — a hairline crack in a tile, a sealant bead that's pulled away from flashing, a pipe boot starting to split — become full leaks during the first big storm. The repair cost can be ten times what the maintenance would have been.

Materials & Techniques

• UV-rated sealants — We replace degraded sealant with products specifically formulated for high-UV desert environments, not standard caulk that dries out in a single summer
• Mortar repair — Ridge cap and hip mortar that has cracked or separated gets re-pointed with a flexible mortar compound that handles thermal cycling
• Preventive fastener tightening — Loose screws and nails get tightened or replaced before they back out far enough to create water entry points
• Rust treatment — Any corrosion on metal flashing, vents, or fasteners is treated and sealed to prevent further deterioration

Signs Your Roof Needs Maintenance

• It's been more than 12 months since your last professional inspection
• You notice debris accumulation in roof valleys or around vents
• Shingle granules are collecting in your gutters (a sign of UV degradation)
• Visible sealant cracking around flashing or pipe boots from the ground
• Your energy bills have crept up (possible ventilation or insulation issue)
• Your roof is over 10 years old and has never had professional maintenance

An hour of maintenance now saves thousands in emergency repairs later. Contact Washington County Roof and Gutter Repair to schedule your annual maintenance visit — every estimate is free.