A home’s roof is one of the most important aspects of the house’s structure. The roof is what protects the house from all of the dangers of harsh weather elements. When there’s an issue with the roof, the entire house is in jeopardy.
As a homeowner, you want to protect yourself, your family, and your home. To do this, your house requires some roof maintenance. Regular roof maintenance is one of the best ways to ensure your roof stays in the best condition possible.
Don’t let your roof cave in and cause havoc. Know some of the best roof maintenance tips to keep your roof in the best condition possible. Continue reading our guide below to learn everything you need to know about proper roof maintenance! Remember, sometimes you may need to consult one of your local roofing companies and may not be able to handle the issue yourself.
1. Keep the Gutters Clean
Imagine this: you haven’t clean your gutters in months, maybe years. Throughout all of this time, debris, dirt, mud, twigs, and other things have accumulated inside them. As the pile of debris grows, the gutters become clogged.
When the gutters clog, rainwater has nowhere to go. Because the rainwater can’t drain properly, it’ll eventually spill back onto the roof. As the water then begins to form in puddles on the roof, it puts pressure and weight on certain sections of the roof.
This weight will then cause the roof to sag in that same area, allowing for more rainwater to build and eventually causing the roof to collapse in that area. When’s the last time you cleaned the gutters?
If you can’t remember the last time you did so, then it’s time to grab a ladder and safely climb up to clean them out.
2. Wash the Moss Away
Moss and mildew will grow on a roof when the home is located in a humid area. They’ll also grow if there’s sitting water on the roof. When moss and mildew build on your roof, they cause several problems.
They can cause the roof to rot in the section where they’re located and they can also cause critters like rodents or birds to attract to the roof and want to use the moss to build a home. To prevent this from happening to your roof, be sure to wash away any moss or mildew you see growing.
You can use a garden hose or have a professional come out and wash it off for you.
3. Trim the Overhanging Trees
Trees are wonderful to have in your yard for many reasons. They provide shade and protection. They can also cause some trouble for your roof, however. When tree branches hang over your roof, twigs can break off causing damage or causing the gutters to clog.
Roof Repairs Sydney comments that the majority of damaged caused to roofs comes from falling branches. If a storm comes through, or if the tree is older and has a weak branch, it could potentially fall on top of your roof. When this happens, your roof is prone to damage.
Create a tree-trimming schedule for yourself and ensure that the tree branches hanging over your roof are kept back. If needed, you can also have a professional arborist come out on a regular schedule to trim the tree for you.
4. Dislodge Compacted Snow
If you let snow build on top of your roof, it’ll become compacted over time. It will also place weight on your roof. Eventually, the snow will melt and slowly allow water to settle on your roof.
In the long run, this will cause water damage to your roof or the roof shingles. After a heavy snowstorm, be sure to dislodge any compacted snow on your roof. Remember, allowing it to sit there until it melts is unhealthy for the roof.
5. Conduct Regular Cleanings
A healthy roof is one that’s kept clean. You’d be surprised by how quickly debris can build on your roof and gutters. To ensure your roof’s health, create a regular cleaning schedule that you can follow.
Use your ladder and climb to the top with care to inspect the roof. If there are signs of branches, moss growing, snow piles forming, or any other issues, then you’ll need to clean the roof off. Don’t wait for a problem to happen to then climb the ladder and start the cleaning process.
Be proactive and stay on top of your regular cleaning schedule to extend your roof’s lifespan.
6. Replace Missing Shingles
When shingles are damaged or loose, they’ll oftentimes find their way to the ground below. You can also conduct regular checks around the house to ensure no shingles have fallen to the ground. If you do notice a shingle on the ground, it’s time for immediate roof repair.
Even if no shingles are on the ground, look up at the roof and see if you can spot any loose shingles. These shingles should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent further roof damage. If loose shingles go too long without being addressed, then you can expect a few leaks in your future.
Discover the Best Roof Maintenance Tips Today!
Your home keeps you safe. It’s your safe haven, but your home’s roof keeps your home safe. Without a sturdy roof, you lose your safety.
To keep yourself and everyone else in your home safe, you need to practice these roof maintenance tips listed above. Keeping up with these regular maintenance tasks will ensure your roof lasts as long as possible!
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