When properly maintained, your roof is one of the features of your home with a long lifespan. A well-maintained roof can last over 20 years depending on the materials and helps keep you warm and dry in your home.
Continue reading to discover the importance of roof maintenance and find the best roof maintenance tips for your home.
Why Is Roof Maintenance So Important?
There are several benefits to keeping your roof maintained. Regular inspections will extend your roof’s lifespan, save you money on extensive repairs, increase curb appeal, and protect you from the elements. A roof that is well cared for can even increase your property value.
Problems From a Poorly Maintained Roof
If you don’t maintain your roof, you will likely experience more extensive damage over time. One of the biggest problems you’ll face is water damage.
Problems with your roof can lead to leaks and standing water, which often results in rot, mold, or other water damage in your home. These problems can spread to other areas of your house and become expensive to fix. In more extreme cases, leaks can lead to structural damage.
Roof Maintenance Tips
There are plenty of things you can do to maintain your roof and keep it in tip-top shape. From trimming branches to inspecting your shingles, you’ll never run out of chores to keep you busy!
Trim Branches
Tree limbs that hang near the roof can be problematic for homeowners by making them susceptible to damage during storms or heavy winds. A falling branch or limb can damage your roof, while leaves from overhanging branches have the potential to cause moisture that might lead to rot.
Trim back and branches that hang over your roof often. This will prevent significant storm damage and keep critters, like squirrels, from making themselves at home on your roof.
Inspect Your Shingles
You should inspect the shingles on your roof every season to prevent severe problems from occurring. In the summer, shingles can encounter sun damage or shrinkage, while winter months might bring leaks.
Do a thorough inspection of your roof and look for any signs that it may be time to repair. Some symptoms to look out for are:
- Cracks
- Missing shingles
- Moss covered areas
- Curling
- Peeling flashing
- Excess wear and tear
If you discover any of these issues, you will need to repair or replace the affected shingles. If you’re unsure how to make repairs on your own, consider calling a professional to ensure it’s done right.
Wash Off Mold or Moss
Mold, algae, and moss can travel through the air and spread across your roof. They both thrive in moisture and can signify more significant issues, like clogged gutters or a leak.
Moss and algae can warp your shingles or lead to rot. The best option is to clean them up immediately with a 50% mixture of water and bleach to prevent more significant damage.
Clean Your Gutters Regularly
Gutters may not be your first consideration for roof maintenance, but keeping them clean is critical to roof maintenance.
Clogged gutters can prevent water from draining and result in water accumulation on your roof. This can lead to leaks, water damage, or rot.
To ensure your roof is well-maintained, clear your gutters of debris often to keep water flowing freely. This is a chore you can do on your own a few times a year.
Check Your Insulation
Strong insulation in your home’s attic will keep your home well heated but will also protect your roof. When your attic isn’t well-insulated, snow and ice will take longer to melt during the winter months, allowing moisture to refreeze around your shingles.
Don’t Skip Chimney Maintenance
If your home has a chimney, you need to inspect the flashing regularly to ensure no cracks or leaks. Damage to the chimney flashing can compromise your chimney’s structure and allow water to flow through to your roof.
It’s also a good idea to check for cracks in your chimney or missing mortar. Any crumbling pieces can cause the chimney to collapse, which may cause additional damage to your roof. The costs of replacing a chimney and repairing the roof can add up quickly, so it’s essential to keep your chimney well-maintained to avoid these problems.
Look for Leaks
When performing maintenance on your roof, check both the interior and exterior for leaks. Do a walk-through of your home and inspect your ceilings and attic for signs of leaks. These signs might include:
- Water spots
- Musty odors
- Granule filled gutters
- Bulging sections on the wall
Water causes severe damage to your home, so contact a professional for repairs right away if you notice any of these signs.
Have Your Roof Inspected By a Professional
If you aren’t sure whether your roof needs repairing or replacing, call in a professional who specializes in residential roofing to inspect your roof. A professional will identify any damage right away and provide you with tips for roof maintenance.
Don’t Skip on Roof Maintenance
Roof maintenance is an essential task for any homeowner. Following these roof maintenance tips will prolong the life of your roof and protect your home from damage. If you discover a problem and don’t know the right step to take, don’t be afraid to seek professional help.
If you’re a homeowner looking for more helpful tips, read some of our other articles about maintaining your home.
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