Your roof offers you protection from heat, rain, wind, and snow. Everyday your roof is exposed to the hazards of weather and other elements which can contribute to its deterioration and damage. Proper, and even, the simplest maintenance can help extend the life of your roof and prevent costly repairs and premature replacement.
Roof replacement and repairs can be a major expense for any homeowner. A lot of times though these costly repairs would have been avoided with proper maintenance early on. There are a number of things that you can do to prevent premature damage and prolong the lifespan of your roof.
Here are 12 tips to help keep your roof maintain its best shape for the longest time possible:
Trimming branches and limbs that hang nearby your roof will help prevent them from causing damages to your roof. Overhanging tree limbs and branches can rub against the surface of your roof and cause abrasions and sooner or later damage the shingles. These branches can also become access points for squirrels and other rodents to get into the roof. Make it a habit to check for overhanging tree limbs on your roof to avoid risking damages especially when there is strong gusts of wind.
Nobody gets excited in cleaning the gutters but cleaning your gutters and clearing them from any debris is important to avoid the common roof problems caused by clogged gutters such as ruined paint on the siding and. When debris pile up too deeply in the gutters and the edges of the roof, it traps water and the water can wick into the roof sheathing which eventually lead into premature rotting.
A regular roof inspection or certification can go a long way towards keeping your roof free from damages and help ensure that your roof will last for many years to come. While home maintenance may be the last thing you want to do on a lazy weekend, a little TLC can make a difference in making your roof last you for the long haul.
Flashing plays a vital role in preventing leaks on your roof. It serves as a seal between the joints of the roof and provides an extra layer of protection. Look for signs of punctures, bendings or loose sealants. These are the common spots for leakage and must be inspected regularly to prevent early damages to your roof.
Be wary about any signs of water penetration and leakage and see to it that you address them promptly to prevent the problem from getting worse. Aside from causing roof damage, accumulated water can also encourage mold growth so it’s important to be proactive in checking for water stains and black marks that could indicate leakage.
Keeping small animals and pests at bay is critical as they can cause significant damage on your roof and your home’s interior. Rodents and termites can easily chew and gnaw on things and cause havoc on your property.
Ice buildup can result to leakage and end up damaging your roof. You can use a roof rake to carefully dislodge snow and prevent accumulation. Remember to work at an angle when you have to use a ladder so that the falling snow will not push you over.
Air leaks and inadequate insulation and ventilation system can increase the risk of ice build ups and must be addressed properly. Investing in proper insulation can help your home maintain a stable temperature that not only helps you save energy but also keep vapor and moisture from pooling in on the underside of the roof. A good ventilation also provides a good airflow and helps ensure your home’s interior stays dry.
Walking on your roof can be dangerous. It not only risk you from falling but you may also cause significant damage to your roof specially if you step into the wrong places. Shingles and roof tiles can get easily damaged just by walking on them. That said, it is recommended that you work with a professional roofing contractor should you have any roofing concerns.
When you want to give your roof a good cleaning to remove dirt and eliminate moss and algae by washing it off, avoid using power washer. Power washer can force water under the roof shingles and potentially damage your roof.
It is important to give your roof a quick check after a strong wind, big hail storm or if you hear trotting on the roof at night to ensure that everything remains in good shape. Look for signs of curling or missing shingle and damaged flashing near vents and other openings. If you notice something amiss contact a roofer to inspect the problem the soonest time possible to keep the problem from escalating.
Make an effort to take a look on your roof at least twice in a year, in the fall and spring. Keep an eye out for any signs of deterioration and water penetration and have them taken care of as soon as possible. Most problems are quite easy to fix once you tackle them early on. However, if you keep putting them off and water gets in, the damage and costs can quickly escalate.
It can be easy to overlook the importance of checking the roof regularly until the problem sets in. Doing a routine maintenance is the best way to keep your roof in great shape so you can enjoy your roof for the longest time possible. Sure, it’s a chore that nobody really wants to do. However, taking the time and making extra effort to do maintenance checks on your roof can go a long way not only to keep the aesthetic appeal of your roof but also to see to it that you take care of any signs of roof issues before they turn into bigger and costly problems.
