Your roof helps to protect you and your home from the elements. Depending on where you live, your roof may be exposed to direct sunlight, extreme temperature changes, rain, hail, wind, and snow. It must survive overhanging branches, leaves, debris, and small animals in some cases. Your roof will last longer will preventative roof maintenance, but it will also save you money and help maintain your home’s market value.
Preventative Roof Maintenance
Although some items are better left to professionals, there are several things you can do yourself as part of a preventative roof maintenance plan. The first is to make regular visual inspections.
Look for broken, missing, and deformed shingles. Also, check the integrity of the flashing. A pair of binoculars will help you get a better look without climbing a ladder. You can also check the underside of your roof from your attic. Look for wet insulation and discolored roof joists that might indicate a leak. You should perform a visual inspection at least twice per year.
Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
Keeping your gutters clean is one of the most important preventative roof maintenance steps that you can take. Sloped roofs are good at shedding water, but water will back up onto your roof if your gutters become clogged and eventually leak through. This could cause you major problems. During the winter, backed-up water can freeze into heavy ice, damaging both your roof and your gutter system. Also, be sure that your gutter downspouts are clean and free-flowing.
Clear Your Roof
Another vital step in preventative roof maintenance is to clear your roof of any leaves, debris, moss, algae, and other fungi. Moss will grow between and under shingles and will hold water. This can cause your shingles to curl, especially around the corners. Moss may also attract bugs and rodents that will further damage your roof. Algae will stain your roof with black streaks and green or white spots. This will make your roof look old and worn.
Keep Trees Trimmed
Without trimming trees overhanging your roof, no preventative roof maintenance plan would be complete. This will keep tree limbs and branches from scraping against your shingles and reduce the number of leaves on your roof. It will also provide more sunshine to your roof, which will inhibit the growth of moss and algae. Make it a practice to keep trees and branches trimmed back several feet from your roofline. Also, remove any dead trees that might fall on your roof.
Know When to Call a Professional for Preventative Roof Maintenance
You may need professional help in solving preventative roof maintenance issues from time to time. A trained professional can often spot minor issues and repair them before they become larger and more costly problems. Additionally, you may not feel comfortable climbing a ladder or walking around on your roof and may prefer to use a professional for safety reasons.