Clean Your Gutters — Twice a Year
Clogged gutters back water up under your shingles, and Baltimore's mature tree canopy means gutters fill fast. Clean in late spring and again in late fall after the leaves drop. While you are up there (safely, from a ladder — not the roof), check that downspouts run clear.
Trim Branches Back
Branches rubbing shingles grind off granules. Falling limbs in a thunderstorm do worse. Keep limbs at least several feet from the roof — and in Baltimore's older neighborhoods with big oaks and maples, this is not optional.
Fight the Black Streaks
Those black streaks on Baltimore roofs are algae (Gloeocapsa magma), and our humidity feeds it. It is mostly cosmetic at first, but it holds moisture against the shingle. Never pressure wash a roof — it strips granules and voids warranties. Gentle chemical treatment works, and zinc or copper strips near the ridge help prevent regrowth. Algae-resistant shingles are worth considering at replacement time.
Watch for Moss on Shaded Slopes
North-facing slopes and sections shaded by trees grow moss in our climate. Moss lifts shingle edges and traps moisture underneath. Treat it early — by the time it is a thick mat, the shingles underneath are often damaged.
Check Your Attic
Twice a year, poke your head into the attic: look for daylight through the deck, water stains on the underside, damp insulation, and mold. Then feel the temperature — if the attic is stifling on a summer day, your ventilation needs attention. Poor ventilation cooks shingles from below and can void the manufacturer warranty.
Look After Every Big Storm
After any serious wind, hail, or ice event: walk the property and look up. Missing shingles, bent flashing, granule piles at downspouts, new ceiling stains — catch it early and it is a repair; catch it late and it is a replacement.
Schedule Professional Inspections
Every two to three years for roofs under 15, annually after that, and after any major storm. Our free inspection covers the roof surface, flashing, valleys, vents, gutters, and the attic.