Since roofs are essential parts of having a comfortable home, keeping it in good shape should be a priority.
Roofs are designed to last long. Some types can even last for 20-30 years.
However, ignoring the importance of taking good care of your roof can lead to replacing it sooner than expected.
Proper Maintenance Tips for Your Roof
Millions of residences change their roofs every year. And it can be very costly at times.
To prolong your roof’s lifespan and avoid unexpected roof replacements, you should conduct proper roof maintenance.
Check Your Roof Regularly
It is crucial to check your roof as often as possible, especially after a storm or any harsh weather condition. This should be done to be aware of any occurring damages and prevent further damages.
Moreover, you can easily do it by using your binoculars or climbing your ladder to see the roof more visibly.
It would help if you look for potential problems, such as rust, dent, or crack, depending on the roof you are using. If you don’t have any idea what to look for, it is wise to ask for professional help.
A roofing contractor usually does inspection as well. Aside from doing repairs, they can help you spot potential problems and give you tips in maintaining your roof.
Besides that, roof inspectors can also give you an idea of how many years your roof has left before it needs replacing.
Wash Your Roof
Like any other area of your residence, the roof needs some cleaning as well.
Algae, moss, and other debris can be present in your roof and cause damage. Algae and moss build up in your roof can easily be removed by a bleach and detergent mix.
However, to prevent them from coming back permanently, you might want to invest in zinc strips.
If your roof is made of asphalt shingles, it is essential to note that you should avoid power-washing it. Power-washing may remove granules from your shingles’ top coat, resulting in damage.
Furthermore, it is recommended to ask for professional help in cleaning your roof for safety reasons.
Remove Overhanging Branches
Overhanging branches can fall on your roof, especially during harsh weather, such as a storm or heavy snow.
It is best to prevent them as early as possible rather than facing additional problems in the future.
Aside from the risk of falling branches, its leaves can damage your roof as well. A pile of leaves on your roof will eventually absorb moisture, attract algae, and rot your roof.
Hence, it is wise to trim those overhanging branches.
Keep the Gutters and Downspouts Clean
Experts recommend cleaning the gutters twice a year (during late spring and early fall) or when needed. Although it is a dirty job, cleaning the gutters is essential in keeping a healthy and long-lasting roof.
Furthermore, it is wise to have a rain gutter strainer installed. The strainer will help stop debris from falling into the downspout, which makes it easier to clean.
Clogged gutters can cause a lot of problems in your roof. The water buildup on clogged gutters can attract moisture and lead its way into your roofing structure, which can cause severe damage.
To check if your gutter is clogged, you should observe the gutter outlet while it is raining. If there is little or no water coming out, it might be clogged and need a thorough cleaning.
You can try to unclog your downspouts by using a plumbing snake or any other useful equipment. Once you hear the gushing sound of water from your downspout, you have been successful in unclogging it.
After that, you can also use your garden hose full blast to ensure that no debris is left on the downspout, keeping it clean and unclogged.
Inspect and Repair Leaks
You can check for leaks when it is raining from the inside of your house. You could also look for water stains inside the house when it is not raining.
Other signs of leakage include spots on your exterior walls, water stains on your interior walls or ceilings, inflating patches on your interior walls, or odors in rooms.
If you notice any of these signs and have found the leak, it is wise to repair it immediately. Moreover, if you can’t repair it yourself, don’t hesitate to call a professional.
Maintain your Chimney, Vent Openings, and Skylights
After cleaning and checking the critical parts of your roof, it is also essential to take good care of your chimney. It would help if you inspected your chimney for cracks or any missing mortar.
A damaged chimney may cause bricks to fall out and cause problems into your roof or even your home’s foundation.
Furthermore, it is also best to clean, inspect, and repair vent openings and skylights to prevent any debris that can damage your roof from falling.
When to Replace Your Roof
After conducting proper roof maintenance and exhausting your roof’s lifespan, it might be time to replace your old roof.
Severe damages in your roof might be a sign that it needs replacement. Asking a professional’s opinion on the matter will be a great help.
Furthermore, it is best to hire a roofing contractor to take care of roof replacements. Roof contractors will ensure excellent and proper roof installation.
Make sure to contact the best roofing contractor in your area.
Be sure to hire the best roofing contractor in the area to ensure excellent quality service. It is wise to hire the most efficient and the very best roofing contractor near you for quick action on a damaged roof.
Takeaway
Conducting proper maintenance of your roof can take a lot of work.
However, it will surely save you some money since roof replacement and major repairs can be very costly and time-consuming.
Thus, it is better to take good care of your roof as soon as possible to prevent roof replacement sooner than expected.
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