With prices between $4,000 – $10,000 dollars for a roof, the average cost of a new roof is about $8,000 dollars.
Your roof is your protection from the outside elements. When something goes wrong with the roof, it can cause damage throughout the home. Some of the damage can go undetected for a long time.
The better care you take of your roof, the longer it’ll last you. And taking care of small issues as they arise is much cheaper than a new roof.
Here are 5 tips for taking care of your roof thus avoiding expensive problems later.
1. Inspect Twice a Year
It’s best not to walk on your roof since that can damage shingles. If you must, use shoes with rubber soles. Lean a ladder against the side and use a pair of binoculars to inspect the entire roof.
Look for missing or damaged shingles, including lifting shingles. Note any sagging or buckling.
Are there piles of granules in the gutters? That indicates aging shingles that aren’t in great shape.
The metal flashing installed along the edges of the roof is the drip edge. This prevents rot by directing water away from the fascia. Inspect the drip edge for damage.
If there’s rot, buckling, sagging, or granules, call an expert right away. Timely repairs extend the life of your roof.
Also, conduct an inspection after severe weather.
2. Clean Gutters at Least Twice a Year
While you’re inspecting the roof, have the gutters cleaned. Exercise extreme caution if you do the chore yourself.
Cleaning once a year isn’t enough to keep gutters free of debris. Clean them at least twice a year. This keeps the gutters from backing up and causing damage to the roof.
3. Beware of Algae and Moss
Do you have green streaks down the side of the roof? Do you have other discolorations?
That’s a sign of algae and moss growing on the roof. It’s more than a cosmetic problem. Algae and moss can eat away at your shingles.
Don’t pressure wash your roof to rid it of algae and moss! That can damage the roof. Instead, install zinc strips.
4. Trim Overhanging Branches
Do you have lots of trees on your property? Make sure there are no tree branches overhanging the house.
Have your trees inspected once every three years. Some trees look fine, but they’re in poor health and weak. Those trees can fall and lose branches in a storm, destroying the roof.
5. Check Attic Ventilation
The roof needs proper ventilation in the attic. This prevents ice dams in the winter that cause too much moisture.
Even if you live in a hot climate, you still need proper ventilation. Without ventilation, heat builds in the attic. The heat damages shingles from the inside out.
Taking Care of Your Roof Extends Roof Life
Taking care of your roof is the best way to extend the life of the roof. Don’t neglect this important maintenance task.
Inspect the roof twice a year and clean the gutters at the same time.
Get rid of algae and moss and trim any overhanging tree branches. Check the attic for proper ventilation.
Need help with your roof? Call an expert!