The roof is a major part of the house, and it’s often expensive to install and replace. Your roof is your first line of defense and takes a beating from the harsh weather elements of the exterior world. Without proper maintenance, your roof’s durability is bound to reduce with time.
Doing small maintenance tasks is tedious and may seem time-consuming for homeowners. Nevertheless, compared to costly repairs and roof replacement, the small maintenance tasks are vitally important.
Practice the following roof maintenance tips to increase the lifespan of your roof.
1. Trim Your Trees
Trees near your home provide shade and beautify your plot. However, large trees can be more problematic for your roof if not properly maintained. If you have trees around your house, make sure the branches never hang over your roof. Large branches may fall on your roof and scratch the surface of your roof. The damage may be minor at first, but it can eventually become an expensive problem to repair.
The overhanging branches also make it easier for pests and rodents to get onto your roof. Pests and rodents cause damage by making homes in the shingles and gnawing on your roof.
Leaves and twigs may also clog your gutters and downspouts, so make sure all branches are far away from your roof. Trimming branches is a job for professionals; otherwise, you might cause more damage.
2. Clean Your Gutters
Inspect and clean your gutters on a regular basis. Cleaning the gutters around your home may do more good than you might think. If debris is clogging your gutters, your roof cannot drain water properly. The water then pools in the gutters. Excess water may soften the fascia and soffit boards and rot your rafters.
Debris in the gutter also allows pest infestation and makes your roof look unkempt.
Cleaning gutters is a messy job, but you can clean them on your own. If you do not think you can do it, contact a roofer to do the job for you.
3. Keep Your Attic Ventilated
Attic ventilation allows cold air to enter and warm air to escape the attic. Proper attic ventilation also saves on cooling and heating bills and adds to your roof’s lifespan. Too much moisture in the attic causes mold that can damage your attic insulation and your roof.
For ventilation to work correctly, ensure you install soffit vents around the attic floor and roof vents near the highest part of the attic. The vents also prevent the build-up of moisture.
Make sure to choose vents that best serve your roof’s style and slope.
4. Get an Annual Roof Inspection
Getting a professional roof inspection is potentially the most proactive thing you can do as a homeowner. Some roof issues may not be visible to the naked eye. It’s therefore essential to have an expert check out your roof at least once a year. Professionals have the tools and knowledge to assess every inch of your roof accurately.
5. Avoid Ice Dams
Severe snowstorms followed by warmer days may cause ice dams to form on your roof. Ice dams can cause water damage to your roof, which in turn can cause roof leaks. Clear away any snow that is close to your gutter using a roof rake.
Clearing the snow will help prevent ice buildup on your roof. If ice has already formed, don’t try to pry it off since that could damage the shingles underneath.
Roof replacement can be costly. Therefore, it is critical to look after your roof to extend its lifespan. If you think something might be wrong with your roof, contact us for our expert services.
