The roof of your home is the first line of defense for one of your biggest investments and also your valuable belongings. Taking care of your roof should definitely be a priority.
Roof damage cannot always be avoided, but there are steps you can take to extend the life of your roof and prolong an expensive replacement.
Here are five essential tips for roof care.
1. Keep It Clean
Just like any other area of your home, your roof needs a good cleaning. Leaves, twigs, and other debris will land there and stay until someone removes them.
Beyond looking bad, they also trap moisture underneath when it rains. This will cause water damage to the roofing material over time with the potential for roof leaks.
It will also allow moss and even mold to accumulate. This will not only hurt the roof, but mold carries health risks.
Caution should be used when cleaning. It is not a good idea to use a power washer as that can strip the granules from the shingles. If you are not able to use a broom or leaf blower, you should go with a professional roofing company.
2. Don’t Forget the Gutters
While the roof is being cleaned, don’t leave out the gutters. You may not realize that overflowing gutters will also harm your roof.
When they are full of leaves and debris the water cannot flow down and away from the home. It stays stuck in the gutters and will overflow onto the edges of the roof.
This water can then collect under shingles. Eventually, the roofing material will start to rot and again, there is the potential for mold.
3. Inspect It Regularly
Out of sight can sometimes mean out of mind. You may not actually look at your roof every day, but that doesn’t mean stuff isn’t happening up there!
Your roof needs to be inspected up close and person on a regular basis. This includes the attic vents and soffits. Damage can sneak up on you and it’s best to stay ahead of any roof repair.
Again, getting on top of your home may not be a risk you wish to take. But don’t let that put your roof in jeopardy. Have a trained roofing contractor come up and do a thorough inspection.
4. Trim Back Tree Branches
Some of the worst damage to a roof is caused by falling tree limbs during high wind or a storm. Just one wayward branch can cause extensive repair costs.
The best solution is to keep all tree branches trimmed and away from the roof.
5. Roof Care: Stay on Top of Repairs
Even with diligent roof maintenance, there will eventually be roof damage of some sort. As soon as you notice an issue, address it right away.
Small roofing problems can turn into expensive repairs. By acting quickly you may be able to postpone a complete roof replacement.
Long Live Your Roof
Extending the life of your roof can be done with a little bit of roof care. Taking the time to keep it clean, inspected, and repaired will protect your home for years to come.
For more details on our roofing services or to obtain a quote, please reach out.