As a homeowner, taking precautions to safeguard your roof will extend its lifespan. Your roof is one of the most exposed parts of your property, so you must take the right steps to keep it in good shape.
Throughout the lifecycle of your roof, proactive steps save repair costs and preserve the structural integrity of your property. In this guide, we will discuss eight tips that you can use to take better care of your roof. These tips will save you money and help you recognize when you need to call in a professional for assistance.
Scheduled Roof Inspections
Roof inspections should be carried out at least twice a year. These inspections are best done during spring or fall, as they are the best time to catch minor issues. You should check for missing or cracked shingles, water damage, mold, roof sagging, and granule loss.
Pay special attention to the flashing around skylights, chimneys, and vents, as they are the most vulnerable areas for roof leaks. Look out for rusting, cracks, or missing sealant and repair immediately to prevent further damage. If the damage is extensive, contact a professional for further assistance.
Trim Overgrown Trees
Planting trees in your yard provides shade, beautifies your property, and improves air quality. When these trees are not properly tended and left to overgrow, they can pose a risk to your roof. Overhanging trees provide shade that promotes the growth of algae and moss.
The falling branches from these trees can damage your roof, and the leaves can clog your gutters. Tree limbs should be cut when overgrown, and trees should be planted further from the house if the space in the yard allows. This will mitigate the effect of overgrown trees on your roof.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters channel water from your roof and prevent puddles from forming and causing water damage. When gutters and downspouts get clogged, water overflows, and this can lead to damage to the roof, foundation, and fascia. Gutters should be cleaned regularly to prevent the buildup of dirt and debris.
In addition, gutter guards should be installed to reduce debris buildup and increase water flow. Check for leaks and repair promptly, and also fasten the gutters to ensure they are affixed to the roof properly. Your gutters should be cleaned at least 4 times a year and as needed to ensure smooth water passage.
Flashing and Sealant Maintenance
Flashing plays a vital role in keeping water and other elements out of your house. It is the metal material that surrounds your skylights, vents, and chimneys. Inspect the flashing for rust, dent, or damage, as this can affect its effectiveness.
Check the sealant used on the flashing for damage or if it is missing. Damaged flashing and sealant will lead to roof leakages, which can damage your home, so they should be replaced immediately when defects are found. This inspection should be done at least twice a year for optimal results.
Attic Ventilation and Insulation
Check your attic at least twice a year for water stains, mildew, and mold, which are indicators of roof leaks. You should also ensure that your attic is well-insulated and free of moisture or compression. A poorly insulated attic will promote mold growth, ice dams, and condensation. Proper insulation helps to regulate your home temperature and reduce energy costs. When energy costs are reduced, it increases the value of your home and makes your property more eco-compliant. It also prevents mold growth and wood rot, which can damage the integrity of your roof.
Interior Checks
Structural issues can cause more than roof damage to your property, and when left undiagnosed, it can lead to thousands of dollars in damage repairs. Check the roofline of the roof via the attic or ceiling for signs of sagging or unevenness.
These are signs of potential structural defects that should be addressed quickly before further damage is done. Contact a roofing professional to perform a comprehensive check and determine the solution to your structural issues. If any defects are found, they should be treated urgently to prevent extensive problems down the line.
Professional Inspection and Repairs
Professional roof inspection and repairs should be done at least once a year. Even if you routinely inspect your roof, professionals need to assess your roof so they can catch anything you may have missed and make minor repairs before they become bigger problems.
You should also hire a professional for inspections if you are unsure about the condition of your roof. Professional audits help to identify hidden issues, and repairs can be done safely without any complications. It is a small fee to pay now compared to when your roof has been damaged by issues you may have missed.
Remove Moss, Algae, and Mold
Moss, algae, and mold should be removed as soon as they appear. These cause the buildup of moisture, which leads to water damage, roofing material deterioration, and other adverse effects on your roof. You can clean the roof yourself or seek the help of professionals to do a soft wash roof cleaning. This would remove moss, algae, and mold, and limit their growth in the future.
If you are going to remove the algae and moss yourself, use specialized roof cleaners for maximum effect. The growth of moss and algae should be addressed as soon as they are discovered because they spread fast and can become difficult to eliminate when they have grown unchecked.
Endnote
Maintaining your roof is an important job for you as a homeowner. Ensure that you clean your gutters regularly and inspect them for missing flashings or sealants. Trim overhanging trees to prevent debris and leaves from damaging your roof. Do not forget to check the insulation of your attic so you can reduce energy costs and limit the growth of ice dams and algae. Clean your gutters frequently to prevent water logs, which can damage the roof and cause leakages. Always seek the help or advice of a roofing professional when necessary and fix roofing issues early before they snowball into larger problems.
