Your roof is constantly exposed to the elements, which is why many homeowners do end up having to pay for repairs at some point. A high-quality roof will often withstand damage for a long period of time. In fact, many roofs will last upwards of 50 years, which means you won’t have to worry about replacing your roof for some time. However, this is only if you take care of your roof. Proper maintenance can help reduce the need for potential repairs and can help prolong the life of your roof. Keeping that in mind, the following are a few roof maintenance tips:
The purpose of your gutters is to collect rainwater from your roof and to disperse it away from your home, thereby preventing potential leaks and water damage. However, because your gutters are exposed, they will collect a variety of debris as well, such as dirt, leaves, branches, and more. This debris will build up if you don’t keep your gutters clean, which can result in clogs. When a clog occurs, water will collect without any place to go, eventually overflowing and causing potential leaks, water damage, and damage to your gutter system (the weight of the water can cause the gutters to sag or pull away). Either schedule routine gutter cleanings or install gutter guards to prevent clogs.
If the branches of a nearby tree grow too close to your roof, there’s some risk that the branches could snap off during a storm and fall onto your roof, causing damage. Not to mention that leaves and twigs can easily fall off and cover your roof or make their way into your gutters. Make sure that nearby branches are regularly trimmed to reduce such risk.
During the fall season, it’s pretty common to have leaves fall onto your roof. While this may be natural and unavoidable, you need to have them removed. If they’re not removed, they will trap moisture and eventually decompose, which causes moisture to collect on your roof. This can cause damage to your roof and can also result in the growth of weeds on your roof.
If you spot any moss growing on your roof, it’s important that you have it removed right away. Moss traps water, which means that your roof will be more vulnerable to water damage, which can lead to leaks and even rot.
Ice dams occur when heat from your home escapes through your roof and melts the first layer of snow on your roof without melting the top layer. This causes the snow that has melted to become trapped by the top layer. This can cause it to leak in through your roof. You can prevent this from happening by making sure to properly insulate your attic so that heat doesn’t escape.
Make sure to walk around your property and do a visual inspection of your roof every once in a while. Doing so after a storm is a good idea. Look for things like debris, damaged shingles, moss growth, and more. You can also go into your attic and look for leaks from there. If you see any issues, contact a roofer right away.
Even if you don’t notice any issues, it’s a good idea to schedule a routine roof inspection. A professional may uncover issues you didn’t know you had. By addressing these issues, you can prevent bigger problems from developing.
Use these tips to prolong the life of your roof. If your roof has any issues or you would like to schedule a routine roof inspection, contact us at All-Nu Construction today.