When it comes to roofing, most people fail to understand the importance of routine maintenance. Although some homeowners think that regular maintenance programs are a waste of money, they can significantly impact the longevity of your roof. The best way to extend the life of your roof is to invest in a professional maintenance program. Still, there are some steps you can take independently to help maintain your roof. Let’s discuss.
5 Maintenance Tips for Your Roof
Here are some easy maintenance tips to make your roof last long:
1. Clean Your Gutters
Cleaning your gutters is one of the most basic and effective ways of maintaining your roof. Since debris can quickly end up in your gutters, you need to be sure to clean your gutters. Making sure that your gutters are free of all kinds of blockages and debris all year helps maintain and support the integrity of your roof. Clean gutters allow the water to flow freely down your gutters and away from your home and roof. If possible, all you need to do is get a ladder to clean your gutters after each season. If you can’t do it yourself, professional gutter cleaning services are typically inexpensive.
2. Trim Back Trees and Landscaping
While lush trees are a great addition to the landscape surrounding your home, they can be a threat to your roof’s integrity. Tree limbs and branches can easily be knocked down during storms or high winds and cause a lot of damage to your roof. They can also provide easy access for animals like squirrels and other critters to invade your space. A great way to maintain the integrity of your roof is to clear away any tree limbs and branches that hang over it.
As soon as you notice tree branches and other landscaping starting to grow close to your roof, trim them back a few feet to ensure they don’t cause any problems during strong winds and storms.
3. De-Ice Your Roof
De-icing is the process of removing snow from your roof. While this isn’t a problem for everyone, even the slightest snow or ice buildup can create a problem with your roof. This is particularly true if you have an older roof. The weight of this buildup can put additional pressure on problem areas, causing your roof to collapse or break.
4. Replace Cracked or Missing Shingles
Excessive temperatures, storm damage, and wear and tear can break or crack shingles on your roof. New storms can move in and create progressive damage when you let cracked, or missing shingles go without repair.
Roofs are made to last for decades and protect your property from severe weather conditions, like hurricanes and tropical storms. Still, even new roofs can experience damage when a storm hits your property the right way. To avoid more significant roof damage, take a few minutes to inspect your roof from the ground and check for any cracked or missing shingles. If you notice any issues, call a professional roofer immediately for repairs.
5. Remove Moss and Mold Growth
Algae, moss, and mold can significantly damage your roof if you let it set in. While these issues are primarily found in areas exposed to excess moisture, they can happen at any time. It’s essential to get rid of any moss and mold before the growth starts to deteriorate and damage your roof.
While you can use a bleach and water mixture to eliminate the issue, you can also apply preventative treatments to avoid future problems. Contact your local roofer to discuss these preventative options.
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