Roofs are often one of the last aspects of a house that homeowners think to regularly inspect for functionality, even though repairs can be a costly effort. Here are seven roof maintenance tips that you can exercise to ensure that your roof lasts longer:
1. Remove Debris
When your roof is dry, grab a ladder and remove branches, twigs, leaves, moss, or any other form of debris that has accumulated on your roof. Perform this type of cleaning at least twice a year. This should help prevent growth on your roof that will deteriorate its quality over time or damage your roofing materials.
2. Remove Nearby Branches
Especially if you live in an area with consistent hurricanes, heavy thunderstorms, or even tornados, it is crucial that you trim back any branches close to your roof. Should a branch fall onto your roof, it could cause significant damage; even if it doesn’t fall, branches scraping your roof can compromise the building materials
3. Clean Your Gutters
The last thing you want for your roof is rotted fascia due to a clogged gutter. Remove debris and dirt from your gutter at least twice a year with a soft cleaning brush and gloves. This will ensure that there is no drainage backup that could cause a leaky attic. A regular gutter cleaning will also inhibit mold growth.
4. Check Your Attic’s Insulation
A well-ventilated attic will stop moisture and heat from reaching the roof, causing it to rot and damaging the shingles. If you do not have sufficient insulation in your attic, call a professional to install a layer. This investment will ensure the longevity of your roof and prevent more expensive repairs in the future.
5. Remove Mold
If during your visual inspection of your roof, you see streaks, this may mean that your roof has a mold issue. To promote the continued strength of your roofing materials, you should clean the mold off of your roof using a specialized roof cleaner and a broom. After you are finished, wipe away any excess with a wide brush.
Note: these streaks should not be cleaned with a power washer, which will compromise your roof’s integrity from sun exposure.
6. Re-Caulk Your Roof
If you feel comfortable re-caulking your roof and you know that your roof’s caulking was not up to par to your region’s standards, re-seal your flashings by using a ladder, high-quality caulk, and non-slip shoes. Otherwise, to maintain your roof, call a professional to re-caulk for you. You will notice that your roof needs this if you find any holes, gaps, or are currently experiencing roof leakage.
7. Regularly Check for Damage
Part of your roof inspection should include checking for any missing or damaged shingles, loose nails, cracks, peeling, and more on a regular basis. If you find that a majority of your roof is experiencing these types of issues, however, your roof is likely facing replacement or repair. At that point, you should consider hiring a professional for roof maintenance.
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