4 Ways to Keep Your Roof in Great Condition
Some homeowners think that as long as their roof is protecting their homes from water and debris there is no reason to pay much attention to it however this is a very wrong attitude to have. Your roof needs ongoing attention and maintenance throughout its lifespan to ensure you do not have any troubles with it down the road. There are certain things that you as a homeowner can do to preserve the condition of your roof and ensure it reaches its typical lifespan and the good news is you can do them with relative ease.
1. Inspect
Attending to your roof after you notice a leak is already too late and problems such as this will cost you more money in the long run as you risk damages to the interior and contents of the home. Your roof should be inspected twice per year for leaks, missing shingles, rot, and pest damage. The sooner you see a problem, the quicker it can be fixed and the chances of more serious issues are minimized. While you can do an inspection of your roof yourself, it may be best to hire a professional to do it as they are skilled in going up onto roofs and know what to look for.
2. Replace shingles
Shingles are what keeps water and debris away from the actual structure of your home therefore they are extremely important. In the event that you noticed damaged or missing shingles during your inspection, have them replaced immediately. Neglecting to replace them when needed will eventually result in water penetrating the wood underneath causing rot that in turn will cause leaks into the interior of your home. If only a few shingles are damaged or missing, you can visit your local hardware store, purchase matching shingles, and replace them yourself. However, if it is more than a few, it may be better to have the whole surface replaced by a professional roofing company.
3. Clean gutters
When it rains or snow melts, water needs some place to go. If your downspouts and drains are clogged, water cannot reach the ground from the roof and as a result it will overflow and get underneath your shingles. Throughout the year, make sure your gutters are free of debris and leaves and clean them if needed. Make sure that they are firmly attached to the house to ensure run-off from the roof makes its way into the gutter. Also confirm that your downspouts are free from clogs as the water needs to pass through them to get to the ground. Water that sits in the gutters will become heavy and cause it to become detached from the house or fall altogether.
4. Maintain trees
Trees around your home could have branches that make contact with your roof or eventually drop dead branches and leaves. It is crucial that you keep an eye on these elements because heavy branches could cause physical damage to your roof such as leaks, cracks and holes. As mentioned, leaves can clog your gutters and cause water to run underneath shingles, penetrate the roof, and cause rotting to occur. If needed, trim back trees that are coming into contact with your roof or if they are dropping a significant amount of leaves that are getting into your gutters. If a tree is old and you fear that it will fall onto your roof eventually, consider cutting it down yourself or hiring an arborist that can do it. It is better to address this as soon as possible as these trees pose a very real threat to your roof and the rest of your home. You may be able to gain additional insights at Cherry & Clark Roofing.
