How to Take Proper Care of Your Roof: Top Field-proven Tips

Undoubtedly, one of the most ignored or neglected things by the homeowner is the roof damage. This is because you don’t visit your roof that often and minor problems that would easily be seen if you were conducting a visual inspection are usually overlooked. Most people who have experienced a leaking roof know how hard it is to repair it. The way to prevent this is to conduct the same maintenance that you would for any area of the house that is often inspected. As a homeowner, it is also useful for you to know how to take care of your roof, especially if it has a complex design and is hard to reach. Here are some tips for you on how to take good care of your roof:

Right Maintenance

Roofs of all types should be checked from time to time. You can begin your search by going to your roof ceiling and checking the attic since it can give you the first hint of roof issues. If there is something damp in your home, especially around the areas where there are skylights, you might have to arrange for some repair work on the roof. Getting a reliable roof maintenance service is one of the most important aspects of maintaining one. This is because those small issues should be addressed before they develop into huge problems that will cost you more money. Those servicemen can be used to look out for signs of physical damage, signs of aging or cracking, and others. If you have some roof shingles missing, then it is time to call them. Some problems can be detected just by glancing at your roof and the attic, but it is recommended to have a roof inspection at least once per year.

Remove Gutters

It is mandatory to consider that the sole role of the gutter system is to have an opportunity to direct water from the shingles as far away from the foundation as possible. Gutters can be filled up and water can flow under your shingles and pour out. Check the installation of the gutters and ensure that they are strongly fixed and that the flow of water through the gutter is good and free from any debris. This means that special focus should be placed on areas where the gutter is a common thing that needs to be dealt with regularly. 

Fix Right Away

The right thing to do in this case is to conduct the minor repairs that might have been seen during the roof inspection immediately. Flashing and even minor chips on your shingles can start developing into severe issues in the future. Additionally, after some years, these minuscule spaces may expand, which may lead to the penetration of water and consequently the formation of some possible damages that can cause damage to your roof and house and can cost you a lot of money. That is why early repairs for such minor issues enable one to save financial gains in the long term and also raise the value of their house.

Moss and Algae

Larger mats of moss can damage shingles, while the mass lifts the edges of the shingles, the undersides get exposed to water and moss absorbs it. On the surface of the roof, algae can cause the formation of rather expressive, dark stripes. Thereby, it is possible to diminish algae stains with the help of chlorine bleach and a water solution. Maybe it is wise to be frequent when it comes to cleaning both of them, as you don’t want your roof to be full of them.

Maintaining Landscape

Maintaining the surrounding area of your house will also go a long way for roof maintenance as well as examination. Sweeping, mowing, or cutting grass and other plants are some of the activities one must undertake to avoid debris building up around the house. Ensure that the branches are within 10 feet from your roof since this will help to protect it from any calamity in case of storms and extremely strong winds. Trimming overhanging branches will also help your roof take in less moisture and shadow, which will prevent its rotting and the development of moss. 

Ventilation

Ventilation is a must all year round. It reduces the stress on your air conditioning system and cuts your cooling costs in the summer by avoiding heat injury and the formation of mold. It eliminates the possibility of ice buildup, also known as ice dams, during the winter season. Some of the types of attic ventilation include ridge vents, gable vents, and soffit vents. If your attic is hot in the summer, which may make the rest of your house uncomfortable as well, use ridge and soffit vents to provide effective natural ventilation if your attic seems too warm. If your roof has any of these, check if they are damaged or have any obstructions from your past roofing experiences. Problems that reoccur may be an indication that one needs more or even better ventilation.

Checking Shingles

On top of everything, it is highly recommended that you conduct a regular check of your shingles to be certain whether they are worn out or damaged. Moreover, you can make your way through your property physically, and not only that, you can jump up and take a closer look from the ladder too, without having to call a professional. But if you experience or observe any problem with your shingles, you should call them immediately so they can work on it as soon as possible.

Flashing Inspection

When two roofs converge, flashing helps create a water connection. For instance, flashing can be used in positions where vent pipes or chimneys pop out. Find a safe and warm place regarding flashing. You may need to call a roof service if you realize that the flashing is rusty or torn, or if you see the fasteners or sealant in a bad state, and they can decide if it needs repair or a replacement.

We hope that you will find some of these tips useful for your roof maintenance. Pay attention to all details, as they are all important. Don’t be lazy when it comes to repairing your roof and everything that comes with it.