A well-maintained roof increases the longevity of your house and shields it from the weather. Maintaining the integrity of your roof requires regular inspections, appropriate upkeep, and timely problem-solving.
Proper attic ventilation and insulation prevent overheating and moisture retention. Regularly trimming overhanging branches can reduce the risk of trees falling onto your roof during storms and high winds.
Inspect Your Roof Regularly
A roof is a major investment that protects your home from the elements. Taking care of it can prevent costly repairs, extend lifespan, and make your house safe and comfortable. Regular inspections are crucial to identifying problems before they become serious.
Professional roofing services will help you maintain your roof properly and detect any issues that need repair. They will look for wear or damage on the shingles, tiles, gutters, and flashing. They will also inspect your attic for appropriate ventilation and insulation to maintain a constant temperature in your house and avoid moisture buildup.
They will also check your gutters and downspouts for obstructions that might cause water leaks from the roof. Any overhanging branches that might rub against the gutters or roof during a storm will be trimmed. Additionally, granules—tiny shingle fragments that might break off and land in the gutter—will be searched for.
Clean the Gutters
The gutters carry rainwater away from your roof, so it’s important to ensure they are clean. Cleaning them should be done regularly to avoid clogging them with leaves and debris that can cause damage to your home.
Getting your gutters cleaned twice yearly is recommended – once in the spring and once in late summer or fall. However, the frequency depends on several factors, such as the location of your house and how many trees surround it.
A clogged gutter can damage your roof by leaving no place for water to go, causing the shingles to become saturated. Also, if the accumulated water is not removed promptly, it can penetrate the walls and ceilings of your home.
Remove Debris
Leaves, pine needles, sticks, and other organic debris are common sights on a roof. While they may not seem like a big deal, they can clog gutters or cause damage to the roof over time. Additionally, they can conceal potential hazards like holes, cracks, or leaks. If left unattended, they can even redirect rainwater and make it pool on the roof instead of running off.
While removing some debris from the roof with a broom, blower, or shovel is possible, this job is best left to the roofing contractors. Choosing a day with clear skies and minimal wind is important to ensure the safety of the workers on the roof.
Having a trash chute system on the roof is also a good idea so the debris can be easily sent to the ground and collected in a safe area. This will reduce the amount of scattered debris on the ground, creating a tripping hazard and attracting pests.
Prevent Moss and Algae Growth
Many homes suffer from moss growth on their roof. Although moss may look pretty at first glance, it can damage the integrity of your roof by uprooting shingles, staining the surface, and encouraging mold and bacteria growth. Moss also soaks up moisture, which can leak into your home and cause wood to rot.
The best way to kill moss and prevent new growth is to use a cleaning solution. Mix the cleaner according to the package directions, then apply it to your roof using a sprayer. Work from the top down, and avoid lifting shingles as you work.
Once the moss is dead, rinse it off with a hose set to a lower pressure setting. You should also trim trees and limit shade to deter future moss growth. A copper, zinc, or galvanized metal strip on the ridge of your roof will also help discourage moss and algae growth by reflecting sunlight instead of absorbing it.