As a homeowner, you understand that having a sturdy roof means your home and your loved ones are protected from the elements. You also know that a new roof is an expensive investment, and you are interested in taking whatever steps you can to prolong the life of the roof your property has now. Before calling on residential roofing services to repair or replace your current roof, here are some ideas on what you can do to extend the life of your roof.
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Keep Your Gutters Clean
Your gutters are there for a reason. They direct water that falls on your roof away from it and your property’s foundation. When the gutters get clogged and water has nowhere to go, it pools at the edges of your roof, damaging the areas where it sits. If left unchecked, this water can cause serious damage to the roof, going as far as leaking into your home. Get in the habit of regularly clearing your gutters of any leaves, sticks, and other debris.
Trim Your Trees
Having trees around your property is an asset. They provide shade and enhance the value of the home. However, when they are too close to your roof, their branches run the risk of damaging your shingles. You may notice that tree branches are scraping against your roof when you start seeing granules everywhere. This is no small matter because shingles that lose their granules may result in you having to replace the entire roof. Worse, if stormy weather breaks these branches from the tree, they may cause severe damage to your roof.
Clean Debris Off Your Roof
Anything you see on your roof that should not be there needs to come off. You may think that a bunch of leaves, a branch, some rocks, or any other debris are harmless. However, when they are allowed to stay on your roof, they may allow water to accumulate, or they end up puncturing the roof. Remove everything that has fallen on your roof as soon as possible.
Get Rid of Algae and Moss
You may think that a mossy roof gives it character. However, the reality is far from that quaint image. Moss and algae that are allowed to grow on your roof will trap moisture. This can weaken the integrity of your roof to the point that it may need to be replaced. Clean it with some water and carefully brush moss and algae off. If the roof is too tall or too steep, you may want to call in professionals and avoid putting yourself at risk by attempting to clean the roof on your own.
Take Care of Any Missing or Damaged Shingles
One shingle that looks damaged or has fallen off may not seem like something you should worry too much about. However, when you start noticing that multiple shingles are cracked, curling, or missing, you may want to call your roofer and have that section of your roof repaired. Allowing defective or damaged shingles to remain on your roof is like opening a door for poor weather to come into your home. You may soon start dealing with leaks, and uninvited pests or other critters may find a way into your attic and settle inside the home.
Get a Yearly Roof Inspection
No matter how careful you are with following roof-maintenance tips or how obsessively you check the health of your roof, there are too many areas that you will not be able to thoroughly inspect from the ground. Even if you are brave enough to walk on your roof without putting yourself at risk, you may not know what to look for when it comes to inspecting a roof.
It is essential to have an expert roofer perform a yearly inspection to ensure that nothing is damaging your roof. If you have a relationship with a trusted roofer, ask them to come once a year for an inspection. This way you can take this chore off your to-do list and know that your roof will be as strong and sturdy as it is supposed to be.
